Watch Out for Scams and Stay Safe While Online Shopping: Advice from the VA and FDIC

Online shopping has become routine for most of us, but it also attracts fraudsters looking to steal money or personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have published multiple warnings about these threats. Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or just someone who buys things on the internet, understanding the common tactics and how to protect yourself is worth a few minutes of attention.

What’s happening

Scammers are constantly refining their methods. The VA has issued alerts about fake websites that mimic real retailers, phishing emails that appear to come from trusted companies, and social media ads offering deals that never arrive. A recent VA News article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” reminds shoppers to verify URLs carefully—criminals often use addresses with one typo or a different top-level domain. The FDIC has separately warned about scammers who impersonate legitimate banks, creating fake banking websites or apps to collect login credentials and account numbers. These threats are not seasonal; they persist year-round, though they spike during holidays.

Why it matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can cost you more than the price of a product. Scammers may steal credit card numbers, drain bank accounts, or obtain enough personal data to commit identity theft. For veterans, the risks extend to benefits. The VA has noted that some fraudsters specifically target veterans by pretending to offer discounts on VA-related services or by asking for benefit information. Financial losses from these scams often go unrecovered, especially when people use wire transfers or debit cards that offer weaker fraud protections. Beyond the immediate financial hit, recovering from identity theft can take months.

What you can do now

Government agencies and consumer protection organizations agree on several straightforward steps to reduce your risk.

  • Check the website’s legitimacy. Look for a secure connection (https:// and a padlock icon), but know that these are not foolproof. Type the retailer’s address into your browser directly rather than clicking an ad or link. Compare the URL with the official site; scammers often change one letter or use a different extension like .shop instead of .com.

  • Use safer payment methods. Credit cards generally offer the best fraud protection if a transaction goes wrong. Many card issuers will reverse unauthorized charges. Debit cards have fewer safeguards, and wire transfers or prepaid gift cards are nearly impossible to trace. Payment services like PayPal can also add a layer of protection, but review their dispute policies.

  • Enable two-factor authentication on your shopping accounts, email, and payment apps. This makes it harder for someone to access your account even if they get your password.

  • Keep software and devices updated. Scammers sometimes exploit old security holes to install malware that intercepts your payment info. Regular updates close those gaps.

  • Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. An email offering 80% off a popular product from a store you’ve never heard of is almost certainly a scam. Check multiple sources before buying from an unfamiliar seller. If you’re shopping on a marketplace, read seller reviews and look for verified purchase feedback.

  • Monitor your accounts after any purchase. Set up alerts for transactions over a low amount. If you see something unusual, contact your bank immediately.

If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly. Call your bank or credit card issuer to stop the payment and dispute the charge. Change passwords for any accounts that may be compromised. Then report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Veterans can also contact the VA’s fraud hotline at 1-800-827-1000 or visit the VA’s Office of Inspector General website to report benefits-related fraud.

Sources

  • VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan 2026) – consolidates common threats and prevention tips.
  • FDIC: “Scammers and Fake Banks” (Aug 2024) – explains how fraudsters impersonate financial institutions.
  • VA News: “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec 2024) – advice on avoiding counterfeit goods and fake seller sites.
  • VA News: “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov 2024) – seasonal reminder of elevated scam activity.
  • VA News: “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (Dec 2023) – specific guidance for safeguarding VA benefits.
  • VA News: “Online safety measures for the Veteran community” (Dec 2024) – broader digital security recommendations.

Staying safe while shopping online doesn’t require advanced technical skills. A careful look at a URL, a credit card instead of a debit card, and a healthy dose of skepticism can go a long way. The warnings from the VA and FDIC are there for a reason—take them seriously, and you’ll likely avoid the headaches that come with getting scammed.