Online Shopping

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe Introduction Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most Americans, but it also comes with risks. According to a recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scammers increasingly target shoppers through fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, released in May 2025, shows that shopping-related fraud continues to rise, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Whether you’re buying holiday gifts, everyday essentials, or services as a military family using VA benefits, understanding how these scams work is the first line of defense. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself The convenience of buying everything from groceries to electronics online has made shopping easier than ever. But that same convenience also opens the door for scammers. A recent article from VA News (.gov) reminds us that online shopping scams remain a persistent threat, and the advice applies to everyone, not just the military community. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping has become a daily habit for millions, but scammers have taken notice. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics to trick shoppers into handing over money and personal information. According to a recent alert from VA News (.gov), online shopping scams are surging, and the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report confirms that reported losses from these scams reached record levels in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or someone who rarely shops online, knowing how to identify and avoid these schemes is essential. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Spot Them and Stay Safe If you’ve shopped online in the past year, you’ve probably seen deals that seem too good to be true. A stainless steel cookware set for $12. A designer jacket for 90% off. A “veterans discount” link shared in a Facebook group. ...

Online Shopping Scams: What to Watch For and How to Stay Safe Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to scams. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report noted that online shopping fraud remains one of the most common complaints, with losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers recognize and avoid these threats. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Every shopping season brings deals, but it also brings scammers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report recorded billions of dollars lost to online shopping fraud, and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to warn consumers about new tactics. Whether you’re buying gifts, household items, or electronics, it pays to know what to look for. Here’s a plain‑language guide to recognizing common scams and protecting your money. ...

Don’t Get Duped While Shopping Online: Simple Ways to Spot a Scam Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters who set up fake websites, send phishing emails, and advertise deals that don’t exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost more than $300 million to online shopping scams in 2023 alone. A recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” – echoes what many security experts have been saying: scammers are getting better at looking legitimate. ...

6 Common Online Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issue alerts about ongoing scams. In 2022, the FTC recorded over $8.8 billion in consumer fraud losses, with online shopping scams near the top of the list. Whether you’re a frequent buyer or someone who only shops online occasionally, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and stress. ...

One in Three Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam: What You Need to Know If you’ve ever clicked on a deal that seemed too good to be true, only to end up with nothing but an empty bank account, you’re not alone. A recent study from Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, found that about a third of Americans say they’ve experienced an online shopping scam. That’s roughly 33 percent of online shoppers who have been deceived, lost money, or had their personal information stolen while trying to buy something online. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, understanding how these scams work and how to protect yourself is more important than ever. ...

I Lost $150 to a Fake Store Recommended by ChatGPT — Here’s How to Avoid the Same Scam Like many people, I’ve been experimenting with using ChatGPT for shopping research. It’s fast, convenient, and seems to cut through the noise. Two weeks ago I asked it to find a good deal on a popular wireless speaker. Within seconds it returned a link to an online store I’d never heard of, priced $150 below what I’d seen elsewhere. The description looked professional, and the site had what appeared to be dozens of five-star reviews. I made the purchase. ...