Secure Shopping

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe This Season Online shopping offers convenience and often better deals than brick-and-mortar stores. But that same convenience attracts scammers, especially during peak shopping seasons. Government sources like VA News have published multiple alerts in recent years warning consumers about evolving fraud tactics. Whether you are a seasoned online buyer or just starting, understanding how to recognize and avoid these scams can save you time, money, and stress. ...

The Fine Print on Online Shopping Scams: What Government Warnings Tell Us Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but the convenience also comes with a growing number of traps. Scammers now operate with more sophistication, creating fake storefronts, impersonating trusted brands, and even setting up phony banks to steal payment details. ...

Stop Online Shopping Scams: Warning Signs You Need to Know Scammers are getting smarter, but you can stay ahead. Learn the telltale signs of a fake deal, how to verify sellers, and what to do if you get tricked. This plain-language guide covers the latest tactics—from phishing texts to fake websites—so you can shop with confidence. ...

One in Three Americans Has Been Scammed While Shopping Online – What to Know If you’ve ever clicked on a too-good-to-be-true deal and ended up losing money or having your card stolen, you’re not alone. According to new research from the Pew Research Center, about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. The data, released in late 2025, shows that 34% of U.S. adults have personally experienced this type of fraud. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: A Shopper’s Guide Online shopping offers convenience and often better prices, but it also attracts scammers looking to separate you from your money or personal information. Fraudulent websites, phony deals, and phishing emails are common, and they can target anyone. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published guidance to help consumers, including veterans, watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. The advice applies broadly. Here’s what you need to know. ...

Nearly One in Three Americans Have Experienced an Online Shopping Scam: What to Know and How to Protect Yourself If you shop online, you’re not alone in worrying about scams. Recent data from the Pew Research Center puts a number on that concern: about a third of Americans say they’ve had an online shopping scam happen to them. That’s roughly 32 percent of U.S. adults, based on a Pew survey conducted in 2025. ...

Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Shop Safely Every year, scammers refine their tactics to separate shoppers from their money. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issues warnings to its community about these threats—advice that applies to anyone buying goods online. Whether you’re hunting for holiday deals or just restocking everyday items, understanding how fraudsters operate can save you time, money, and stress. ...