Safe Shopping

Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Holiday Season: What You Need to Know The holiday season is prime time for online shopping—and, unfortunately, for scammers looking to take advantage of rushed buyers. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reported fraud losses in the United States hit $12.5 billion in 2024, a significant jump from previous years. Impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as well-known retailers, delivery services, or even friends, were among the top categories. ...

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. ...

Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams – and How to Shop Safely Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick shoppers out of their money and personal information. Recent warnings from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) remind us that these threats are real—especially for veterans and others who receive government benefits. With the holiday season approaching and deals appearing year-round, it pays to know what to look for. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Avoid Them In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a straightforward reminder: scammers are actively targeting online shoppers, and the risks don’t disappear after the holidays. The VA News alert, titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” highlights a reality that applies to everyone, not just veterans. Fraudsters continuously refine their tactics, and even cautious buyers can get caught off guard. ...