Scams

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Year (and Every Year) Online shopping has become a daily habit for millions of people, but the convenience comes with a growing risk. According to the FBI’s most recent Internet Crime Report, reported losses from online shopping fraud reached billions of dollars in 2024 alone, and the numbers keep climbing. The Federal Trade Commission has also noted a sharp rise in complaints involving fake websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods. These scams don’t just appear during the holiday season—they happen year-round, targeting shoppers of all ages and backgrounds. ...

Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Cost You Shopping online is convenient, but it also invites fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers lost over $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, with online shopping scams among the top categories. The FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report confirmed a continuing rise in e-commerce complaints. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued a warning urging shoppers to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or new to digital purchases, understanding how these scams work is the first step to protecting yourself. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Buy Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. A few clicks, a payment, and a package arrives days later. But that convenience also creates openings for scammers. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals are more common than many shoppers realize. According to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report, online shopping fraud continues to climb, especially after holiday seasons and major sales events. The good news is that most scams can be avoided with a few simple checks before you hit “buy.” ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Stay Safe Introduction Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most Americans, but it also comes with risks. According to a recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scammers increasingly target shoppers through fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads that mimic legitimate retailers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, released in May 2025, shows that shopping-related fraud continues to rise, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Whether you’re buying holiday gifts, everyday essentials, or services as a military family using VA benefits, understanding how these scams work is the first line of defense. ...

Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Yourself The convenience of buying everything from groceries to electronics online has made shopping easier than ever. But that same convenience also opens the door for scammers. A recent article from VA News (.gov) reminds us that online shopping scams remain a persistent threat, and the advice applies to everyone, not just the military community. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Keep Your Money Safe Online shopping has become a daily habit for millions, but scammers have taken notice. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics to trick shoppers into handing over money and personal information. According to a recent alert from VA News (.gov), online shopping scams are surging, and the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Report confirms that reported losses from these scams reached record levels in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or someone who rarely shops online, knowing how to identify and avoid these schemes is essential. ...

Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere – Here’s How to Spot Them and Stay Safe If you’ve shopped online in the past year, you’ve probably seen deals that seem too good to be true. A stainless steel cookware set for $12. A designer jacket for 90% off. A “veterans discount” link shared in a Facebook group. ...

Online Shopping Scams: What to Watch For and How to Stay Safe Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to scams. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report noted that online shopping fraud remains one of the most common complaints, with losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers recognize and avoid these threats. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money Every shopping season brings deals, but it also brings scammers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report recorded billions of dollars lost to online shopping fraud, and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to warn consumers about new tactics. Whether you’re buying gifts, household items, or electronics, it pays to know what to look for. Here’s a plain‑language guide to recognizing common scams and protecting your money. ...

Don’t Get Duped While Shopping Online: Simple Ways to Spot a Scam Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters who set up fake websites, send phishing emails, and advertise deals that don’t exist. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost more than $300 million to online shopping scams in 2023 alone. A recent alert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” – echoes what many security experts have been saying: scammers are getting better at looking legitimate. ...