How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Safety Tips Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to scammers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly publishes warnings about fraud targeting veterans—and much of that advice applies to everyone. Whether you’re buying a gift or everyday essentials, a few simple checks can keep your money and personal information safe. ...
Nearly One in Three Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – Here’s What You Need to Know If you’ve ever clicked “Buy Now” on a site that looked legitimate, only to receive nothing but a confirmation email and silence, you’re far from alone. According to new data from the Pew Research Center, roughly one in three Americans say they have experienced an online shopping scam. That’s a staggering number, and it’s worth paying attention to – not because you should stop shopping online, but because a few simple habits can dramatically cut your risk. ...
Over 30% of Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid It Intro If you shop online, you’re not alone in worrying about scams. A recent survey from the Pew Research Center found that roughly one in three U.S. adults has personally experienced an online shopping scam. That’s 32% of respondents, a figure that underscores just how common fraudulent schemes have become in the e-commerce landscape. ...
How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping scams have become more common and more convincing. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent payment requests appear regularly. A January 2026 article from VA News warns veterans and the general public to stay alert, especially after holiday spikes, but scams happen year-round. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has also highlighted fake bank scams that target shoppers. This guide covers what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to stay safe. ...
1 in 3 Americans Has Fallen for an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid It What happened A new report from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, found that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The survey, part of Pew’s ongoing work on digital fraud, asked adults about various kinds of online scams. Shopping scams—where someone pays for goods that never arrive or are not as advertised—were among the most common. ...
Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them Online shopping scams remain one of the most persistent threats for consumers. Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies—including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—regularly issue alerts about new variations of these frauds. Whether you are a frequent online shopper or only buy occasionally during sale periods, understanding how these scams work and what to watch for can save you money and protect your personal information. ...
1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – What to Watch For If you’ve ever clicked a tempting ad for a deal that seemed too good to be true—and later realized the item never arrived or the website was fake—you’re far from alone. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly one out of every three adults who regularly shop online. ...
How to Outsmart Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe Online shopping scams are on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers lost nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, and shopping scams are a major piece of that. These days, phony websites, phishing emails, and fake social media ads are craftier than ever—AI-generated content makes them harder to spot. But you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here’s what you should know. ...
Don’t Get Scammed: How to Shop Safely Online This Year Online shopping has never been more convenient, but that convenience comes with risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and during peak shopping seasons—like holidays, back-to-school, or major sales events—the number of fraudulent offers spikes. Recent alerts from the VA, the Federal Trade Commission, and the FDIC confirm that phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true deals are still among the top threats. Here’s a practical, up-to-date guide to recognizing and avoiding these scams, whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just getting started. ...
How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Shop Safely It’s easy to forget that not every deal you see online is real. Scammers have gotten better at building fake storefronts, crafting convincing emails, and placing ads that look just like the real thing. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), regularly issue warnings about these schemes. The message is consistent: shop carefully, question too-good-to-be-true offers, and know the steps to take if something goes wrong. ...