Phishing

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. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Experienced an Online Shopping Scam: Here’s How to Stay Safe If you’ve ever clicked a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up with nothing to show for it, you’re far from alone. A new Pew Research Center report, published in late November 2025, found that about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 33% of U.S. adults – and the numbers are even higher for younger shoppers. ...

Online Shopping Scams Hit a Third of Americans: How to Protect Yourself The holidays are prime time for hunting bargains online. But new data from the Pew Research Center should give any shopper pause: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. With more people turning to social media, payment apps, and unfamiliar sellers for deals, the risk isn’t going away. Here’s what’s happening and how to shop smarter. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued a reminder to stay vigilant, and the advice applies to anyone buying goods or services on the internet. Whether you’re a veteran or just someone trying to snag a good deal, knowing the common tactics used by fraudsters can save you a lot of trouble. ...

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams: 1 in 3 Americans Are Victims Intro One in three Americans has experienced an online shopping scam, according to a November 2025 study from the Pew Research Center. The risk is especially high as holiday shopping ramps up, but the patterns are consistent year-round. Most scams follow a few recognizable templates, and knowing them can save you money and frustration. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Year Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take advantage of shoppers. Government agencies—including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—have issued warnings about rising fraud, particularly around holidays and seasonal sales. Veterans and seniors are often targeted, but anyone can fall victim to a well-crafted fake store or phishing email. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Your Money Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than going to a store. Unfortunately, scammers have also learned to exploit this convenience. In recent months, government agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs have warned consumers about a rise in online shopping fraud. The message is simple but important: know how to spot the tricks, and you can keep your money and personal information safe. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam – Here’s How to Avoid Being Next Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget how quickly things can go wrong. A new study from the Pew Research Center, published in November 2025, puts a number on that risk: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s not a small fringe problem—it’s a widespread issue affecting millions of consumers. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Practical Tips Scams involving online shopping have become more sophisticated in recent years, and they now target a wider range of consumers than ever before. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a warning in January 2026 urging shoppers to stay alert, and the Federal Trade Commission regularly updates its advice on identifying fraudulent sellers and phishing attempts. Whether you are buying electronics, clothing, or everyday necessities, understanding the common patterns of these scams can help you avoid losing money—or having your personal information stolen. ...