How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Season

Online shopping is convenient, but every holiday season brings a surge in scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, and many of those losses came from shopping-related schemes. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have recently issued alerts about fake websites, phishing emails, and too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals that target shoppers — especially veterans and seniors. This article draws on guidance from VA News (.gov) to help you watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.

What Happened

Government agencies have reported a steady increase in online shopping fraud during peak retail periods. A VA News article from January 2026 specifically warns of scammers impersonating legitimate retailers and even government benefit programs. The FDIC has also warned about fake banks and payment portals designed to steal login credentials. These scams often appear as unsolicited emails, social media ads, or cloned websites that look nearly identical to familiar stores like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. The common thread: they pressure you to act quickly before you have time to verify.

Why It Matters

If you fall for a shopping scam, you can lose money, have your credit card details stolen, or become a victim of identity theft. Older adults and those less comfortable with technology are frequently targeted because they may be less familiar with red flags. The financial loss is bad enough, but recovering from identity theft can take months or years. And during the holiday season, the emotional toll of losing a gift or having a card compromised can turn a joyful time into a stressful one. Knowing what to look for can make the difference between a safe purchase and a costly mistake.

What Readers Can Do

Here are practical steps you can take right now to protect yourself while shopping online.

Recognize Common Scams

  • Phishing emails – You receive a message claiming there’s a problem with your order, a refund is waiting, or a shipping update requires your action. The email contains a link to a fake login page. Never click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the address yourself.
  • Fake websites – Scammers register domains that are one letter off from a real store (e.g., walmartt.com) or use “.shop” or “.co” to create confusion. They often offer steep discounts on popular items to lure you in.
  • Social media ads – Fraudulent ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok promote products that either never arrive or are counterfeit. Many of these ads lead to one‑page sites with no customer service contact.

Spot the Signs of a Fraudulent Site

Before you enter payment info, look for these red flags:

  • The web address looks odd or uses a long string of random characters.
  • The site has poor grammar, blurry images, or missing contact information.
  • There is no secure padlock icon in the address bar (though this alone isn’t a guarantee of safety).
  • The deal seems unrealistically low — a new iPhone for $50, for example.
  • The site demands urgent payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

Use Safe Payment Methods

Pay with a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. Digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay add an extra layer because they do not share your full card number with the merchant. Avoid using debit cards for online purchases; if a scammer gets that information, they can drain your bank account.

Protect Your Personal Information

  • Only provide the minimum information required to complete a purchase. Most legitimate stores need your name, shipping address, and payment details. They do not need your Social Security number, birth date, or mother’s maiden name.
  • Use a strong, unique password for each shopping account. Consider a password manager to keep track.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication on your email and financial accounts.

What to Do If You Are Scammed

Act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the transaction and request a chargeback.
  2. Change the passwords on any accounts you may have used.
  3. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  4. If the scam involved a government benefit (like VA benefits), contact the agency directly.

Bonus: Use Browser Tools for Extra Safety

Most modern browsers include security features like Google Safe Browsing or Microsoft Defender SmartScreen that warn you before you visit a known phishing site. Keep your browser and antivirus software updated. A browser extension that blocks tracking and ads can also reduce your exposure to malicious ads.

Sources

  • VA News (.gov), “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 28, 2026)
  • VA News (.gov), “Shopping for the real deal” (December 10, 2024)
  • VA News (.gov), “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (November 28, 2024)
  • FDIC, “Scammers and Fake Banks” (August 13, 2024)
  • Federal Trade Commission, 2022 Fraud Losses Report

Staying vigilant takes only a few extra seconds per purchase. By following these tips, you can shop with more confidence — and keep your money where it belongs.