How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA and FTC

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA and FTC Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters. Every year, especially during tax season and the holidays, reports of scams spike. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission regularly update their guidance to help people—particularly veterans and military families—protect themselves. Knowing what to watch for can save you money and personal information. ...

June 5, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. A few clicks and your order is on the way. But the same convenience also attracts scammers. Fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods cost consumers billions every year. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly publishes guidance to help veterans and all shoppers stay safe. Their advice is straightforward and worth following—especially during peak shopping seasons but applicable year-round. ...

June 3, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Tips from Government Experts

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams — Practical Advice from Government Experts Online shopping scams aren’t going away, and they’re getting harder to spot. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals cost consumers millions each year. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, regularly issue warnings about these threats. This guide brings together their advice to help you shop more safely. ...

May 17, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Red Flags and Safety Tips

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Red Flags and Safety Tips Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who try to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), regularly issue warnings about these threats. This article compiles their advice into a practical guide for anyone who shops online, especially those who may be less familiar with digital safety practices. ...

May 16, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Don't Get Tricked While Shopping Online: Spot Scams and Stay Safe

Don’t Get Tricked While Shopping Online: Spot Scams and Stay Safe Online shopping is convenient, but scammers are getting smarter. Every year, consumers lose millions to fake deals, phishing emails, and bogus websites that look just like the real thing. The threat is serious enough that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published several alerts to help shoppers—especially veterans and older adults—stay safe. Whether you’re buying gifts, household goods, or services, a few simple precautions can save you money and stress. ...

May 16, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA and FDIC

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA and FDIC Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers who are constantly refining their tactics. Reports of fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and fake customer support channels remain high. Both the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued alerts in the past year warning consumers to stay vigilant. This article distills their guidance into actionable steps you can use right now. ...

May 14, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Official Tips from Government Agencies

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Official Tips from Government Agencies Online shopping scams are not new, but they keep evolving. Fake websites, phishing emails, and bogus banks appear regularly, targeting anyone who shops or manages money online. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have published recent guidance to help consumers recognize these threats and protect themselves. Below is a practical summary of what they advise, drawn directly from official sources. ...

May 8, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk