6 Common Online Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issue alerts about ongoing scams. In 2022, the FTC recorded over $8.8 billion in consumer fraud losses, with online shopping scams near the top of the list. Whether you’re a frequent buyer or someone who only shops online occasionally, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and stress.

What Happened

Recent alerts from the VA remind consumers to stay cautious when shopping online. The VA’s “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” article warns that scammers are using fake websites, phishing emails, and social media ads to trick shoppers. Meanwhile, the FTC has published guidance about a common scam where you receive a call or text claiming there’s a suspicious purchase on your Amazon account—it’s actually a phishing attempt. The FBI’s annual Internet Crime Report also shows a steady increase in reported online shopping fraud, with losses reaching billions.

These scams aren’t limited to any one platform. Scammers often impersonate well-known retailers or create lookalike sites that seem legitimate at first glance. They may also target specific groups, such as veterans, through fake charities or phony benefit services.

Why It Matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can mean losing your money, having your debit or credit card information stolen, or exposing your personal data to identity thieves. If you use a debit card, the funds can be drained directly from your bank account, and the recovery process is often slower than with credit cards. For veterans and military families, scammers sometimes exploit trust in government programs, making it even harder to distinguish a real offer from a fraud.

Beyond individual losses, these scams feed a broader underground economy that targets vulnerable people. The more aware consumers become, the less effective these tactics are.

How to Protect Yourself

Government sources and consumer protection experts recommend these steps to shop safely:

  • Stick with credit cards when possible. They offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or wire transfers.
  • Look for HTTPS and a padlock in your browser’s address bar before entering payment details. But note that some fake sites also use HTTPS, so it’s not a guarantee.
  • Research the seller before buying from an unfamiliar website or online marketplace. Check for reviews from independent sources, and be wary of sites with no contact information or many negative reports.
  • Ignore unsolicited messages about suspicious purchases. If you get a call or text claiming to be from Amazon, PayPal, or a bank, do not click any links. Instead, log into your account directly through the official website or app.
  • Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use steep discounts or limited-time offers to pressure you into acting fast.
  • Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi for transactions. Use a secure connection or a VPN if you must.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you’ve been scammed while shopping online, take action quickly:

  1. Document everything. Save emails, screenshots, transaction records, and any communication with the seller.
  2. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the unauthorized charge and request a chargeback if possible.
  3. Change your passwords for the accounts involved, and enable two-factor authentication if available.
  4. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps them track patterns and warn others.
  5. If you’re a veteran or active duty service member, you can also alert the VA’s fraud department or report to local law enforcement.

One uncertainty: not all scams are refundable, and recovery depends on how quickly you act and the payment method used. Credit cards give you the best chance, but there’s no guarantee.

Sources

  • VA News – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan 28, 2026)
  • FTC Consumer Advice – “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam” (Mar 7, 2024)
  • FBI – “FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report” (May 13, 2025)
  • MOAA – “Military Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Community” (Jul 29, 2025)
  • VA News – “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov 28, 2024)