How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Your Wallet

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to cybercrime last year. A significant chunk of that comes from shopping scams—fake websites, phishing texts, and too-good-to-be-true deals that cost you money and expose your personal data. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also issued repeated warnings about scams targeting veterans and military families, especially around the holidays.

This article walks through what’s happening, why it matters, and what you can do to shop safely—backed by recent guidance from the FBI, FTC, and VA.

What Happened

Scammers are getting more creative. Here are a few of the most common tricks they’re using right now:

  • Fake purchase confirmation texts. The FTC has warned about texts that claim there’s been a suspicious purchase on your Amazon account. They ask you to call a number or click a link to “verify” the charge. In reality, the scammers just want your login credentials or payment info.

  • Fraudulent VA portals. The VA’s Office of Inspector General recently alerted veterans to fake websites mimicking official VA portals, such as the new Claim Assist Portal. These sites look authentic but are designed to steal Social Security numbers and other personal information.

  • Impersonation of trusted sellers. Scammers set up copycat e-commerce sites that use familiar logos and addresses. They may offer deep discounts on popular items but deliver nothing—or counterfeit goods.

  • Holiday season spikes. The VA and FTC note that scams surge during peak shopping periods, with some reports showing a 30% increase in fraudulent activity around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Why It Matters

The financial damage from shopping scams goes beyond the price of a single purchase. Once a scammer gets your credit card number or bank details, they can run up charges or sell your information on the dark web. For veterans and military families, the consequences can be even more severe if scammers obtain VA claim data or benefits information.

Moreover, the emotional toll is real. Many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed, so they don’t report the scam—which only helps the criminals continue. The FBI’s report shows that the median loss per victim in online shopping fraud was around $500 in 2024, but some cases involved thousands.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. These steps, drawn from official sources, can cut your risk significantly.

1. Double-check the URL and site name.
Before you buy, look at the web address carefully. Scammers often use slightly misspelled domain names (like “Amaz0n.com” instead of “Amazon.com”). If the site lacks “https://” or a padlock icon, don’t enter payment details.

2. Use a credit card or a payment service.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or direct bank transfers. Services like PayPal or Apple Pay provide an extra layer of security—scammers don’t get your card number.

3. Be skeptical of urgent messages.
Whether it’s a text about a “suspicious purchase” or an email demanding immediate action, stop and think. The real Amazon won’t ask you to click a link to verify a charge. Instead, open a new browser tab and log into your account directly to check.

4. Research the seller.
For unfamiliar stores, search for reviews from multiple sources. Look for complaints about non-delivery or poor customer service. The FTC’s Consumer Advice page recommends searching “[company name] scam” to see if others have reported problems.

5. Report suspicious activity.
If you receive a phishing text or email, forward it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you’ve already lost money, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately, change affected passwords, and file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

6. Stay alert during holiday shopping.
Plan purchases ahead of time, and avoid clicking on pop-up ads or social media posts that promise incredible discounts. Stick to retailers you know and trust.

Sources

  • FBI, 2024 Internet Crime Report, released May 2025.
  • VA News, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” January 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam,” March 2024.
  • VA News, “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online,” November 2024.

These reports are regularly updated. For the latest warnings, check the FTC’s Consumer Advice page and the VA’s fraud alert page.