Scam Awareness

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed Shopping Online – Here’s How to Protect Yourself What the Pew data shows According to a 2025 survey from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That figure means roughly 33 percent of U.S. adults have lost money, had their personal information stolen, or both while trying to buy something over the internet. The number has climbed in recent years, and the problem doesn’t show signs of slowing. ...

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. ...

1 in 3 Americans Has Been Scammed Shopping Online — Here’s How to Avoid Being Next If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, or paid for a product that turned out to be a counterfeit, you’re not alone. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center report, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. With holiday shopping season in full swing and deal-hunting at its peak, the risk is higher than usual. This article explains the latest data, why it matters, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself. ...

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 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. ...

Watch Out for Online Shopping Scams: How to Stay Safe and Shop Smart Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but it also attracts scammers who set up fake stores, send phishing emails, or advertise deals that never arrive. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs have issued repeated warnings about the growing sophistication of these schemes. While the advice may sound familiar, scammers constantly update their tactics—especially with AI-generated product listings and convincing copycat websites. This guide covers the most common scams, red flags to watch for, and what to do if you fall victim. ...

1 in 3 Americans Hit by Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them If you shop online, you’ve probably seen a deal that seemed too good to pass up—a designer handbag for $30, a new smartphone at half the retail price, or a “limited time” flash sale from a brand you’ve never heard of. According to new data from the Pew Research Center, roughly one out of every three U.S. adults has fallen for a scam like that, or at least had one attempted on them. ...

When 400 Scam Attempts Hit in One Day: What Online Shoppers Need to Know Last month, cybersecurity monitors in Belarus recorded a single day where online shoppers faced roughly 400 scam attempts, according to a report from Belsat.eu. While this spike happened in Eastern Europe, the tactics behind these attempts are not confined to any one region. Online shopping scams follow the same playbook everywhere. Understanding that playbook is the best way to avoid losing money or personal information. ...

Online Shopping Scams Surge: 400 Attempts in One Day—What You Need to Know A recent report from Belarus offers a stark reminder that online shopping fraud is not just a seasonal nuisance but a persistent, fast-moving threat. On a single day, consumers in the country reported roughly 400 scam attempts, according to Belsat.eu. While that number is specific to one region, it reflects tactics used by scammers everywhere. The question for everyday shoppers is not whether they’ll encounter a fraud attempt, but how well they’ll recognize it before losing money. ...

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online: How to Avoid the Latest Tricks If you’ve been the victim of an online shopping scam, you’re far from alone. New data from Pew Research Center, released in November 2025, finds 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 — a figure that should give any regular shopper pause. ...