Phishing

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams (and Stay Safe When Buying Online) Online shopping scams affect millions of consumers each year, and the risks tend to rise during peak shopping periods like the holidays. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent ads can cost you money and expose your personal data. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, have issued repeated warnings about these threats. While the advice often targets benefit recipients, the same principles apply to anyone shopping online. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Your Money (With Special Tips for Veterans) Introduction Online shopping has become a daily part of life for most of us, but scammers are constantly refining their tactics to take advantage of that convenience. For veterans and their families, the stakes are even higher because fraudsters often target those who receive benefits. This article cuts through the noise and gives you concrete warning signs, verification steps, and reporting procedures to help you shop safely. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than going to a physical store. But that convenience also attracts scammers. Each year, fraudsters invent new ways to trick shoppers into handing over money, credit card numbers, and personal information. Government sources like the VA News (.gov) regularly issue alerts about these threats, especially during peak shopping periods. Whether you’re a veteran or not, the advice applies to everyone. This article walks through the most common online shopping scams and the practical steps you can take to avoid them. ...

Social media scams are costing Americans billions — here’s how to avoid them If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X, you’ve probably seen an ad for a cheap designer jacket, a message from an old friend with a link, or a profile of someone who seems too perfect. Some of these are harmless. Others are setups designed to take your money or your personal information. ...

Social Media Scams Are Costing Americans Billions: How to Protect Yourself in 2026 Introduction If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other social platform, you’ve probably seen ads for unbelievable deals, messages from strangers who seem too friendly, or posts promising easy money. Many of these are scams — and they’re costing Americans billions every year. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: What to Look For and How to Stay Safe If you’ve bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a “deal” that turned out to be a trap, you’re far from alone. According to a Pew Research Center study published in November 2025, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That number is a stark reminder that fraud has become a routine part of e‑commerce, not an edge case. ...

Don’t Click That “Google Security Alert”—It’s a Scam. Here’s What to Look For A wave of phishing emails and browser pop-ups impersonating Google’s security team is making the rounds, and they look convincing enough to fool many regular users. According to a report published by Reader’s Digest in late April 2026, these fake alerts claim there’s a problem with your account—something about suspicious activity or a login from an unrecognized device—and urge you to click a link to verify your identity or fix the issue. ...

That ‘Google’ Email Looks Real? It’s a Scam — Here’s How to Spot It If you use Gmail, Google Drive, or any Google service, you’ve probably seen a security alert in your inbox that looks official — a message about an unusual sign‑in, a password change request, or a warning that your account will be suspended. Scammers are now sending these fake notifications with such accuracy that even cautious users can be fooled. The email might use the right logos, include your name, and even link to a page that looks exactly like Google’s sign‑in screen. But make no mistake: it’s a phishing attempt designed to steal your login credentials and, eventually, your personal data. ...

How to Spot the New Google Phishing Scam That Looks Totally Real You open your inbox, and there it is: a message from Google warning about suspicious activity on your account. The logo is correct, the layout looks just like every other email from Google, and the language sounds official. Most people would click the “Secure your account” button without a second thought. ...

Don’t Click That ‘Google’ Alert: New Scam Tricks Users – How to Spot It If you get an email or a browser pop-up that looks like it came directly from Google, warning you about a security issue or a locked account, think twice before clicking the link. A new wave of Google impersonation scams is making the rounds, and they’re convincing enough to fool even experienced users. Recent coverage in Reader’s Digest highlights how these attacks work and why they’re so dangerous right now. ...