Don’t Get Hooked: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Click

Every holiday season, government agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs publish warnings about shopping scams. But the threat doesn’t disappear after December. Fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals appear year-round, often targeting people who may not follow tech news closely. Recent alerts from VA News (.gov) and a Fox News article about ID.me highlight how scammers are getting more sophisticated. Knowing what to look for can save you money, stress, and potential identity theft.

What’s happening

Scammers are exploiting the convenience of online shopping. They create fake storefronts that look like real retailers, send emails that appear to come from trusted companies, and advertise steep discounts on popular items. The VA News articles from late 2024 and early 2025 repeatedly warn about phishing attempts that mimic official communications, particularly those involving benefits data. Another VA alert from January 2026 specifically tells readers to “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” reinforcing that this is an ongoing problem.

The Fox News article on ID.me raises a related issue: identity verification scams. Scammers may pose as ID.me representatives to steal login credentials. While ID.me itself is a legitimate service, the article notes that users should be cautious about unsolicited calls or emails claiming to be from them. The key point is that official services rarely ask for sensitive information via email or phone.

Why it matters for everyday shoppers

Falling for an online shopping scam can lead to more than just a lost purchase. Scammers may capture your credit card numbers, home address, email, and even your Social Security number if they trick you into filling out forms. For people who manage benefits through government portals, the risk is higher because stolen credentials could give scammers access to payments or personal records. Many consumers, especially those less familiar with digital safety, may not recognize the subtle signs of a fake site or a phishing email until after they’ve already clicked.

What you can do to protect yourself

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to shop safely. A few habits go a long way.

1. Inspect URLs carefully
Fake stores often use addresses that differ from the real site by one or two characters—like “amaz0n-prime.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Look for the padlock icon in the address bar, but know that a padlock alone isn’t a guarantee of legitimacy. It only means the connection is encrypted, not that the seller is trustworthy.

2. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good
If a new gadget or designer item is listed at 80% off on a site you’ve never heard of, pause. Scammers rely on urgency and excitement. Check the seller’s return policy and contact information. A legitimate business will have a physical address and customer service phone number, not just an email form.

3. Watch for red flags in emails and ads
Phishing emails often contain generic greetings (“Dear customer”), poor grammar, and threats like “Your account will be closed unless you update now.” Never click links directly; instead, go to the official website by typing the address yourself. The VA News articles emphasize this repeatedly: official agencies will not email you asking for passwords or payment details.

4. Use secure payment methods
Credit cards offer the best fraud protection for online purchases. Debit cards, wire transfers, and prepaid gift cards are much harder to recover if something goes wrong. Many credit card issuers also provide virtual card numbers for one-time use, which adds another layer of security.

5. Verify identity verification services
If a site asks you to verify your identity through a service like ID.me, check that you are on the correct domain. Type the address manually, and never follow links from emails or social media ads. If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from ID.me, hang up and contact the company directly using a known phone number.

6. Know what to do if you’ve been scammed
Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and request a new card. Change the passwords on any accounts you used. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The VA also provides specific guidance for veterans who suspect their benefits data has been compromised—you can contact the VA Fraud Hotline.

Stay informed, stay safe

Online shopping is here to stay, and so are the scammers who exploit it. The best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism combined with a few simple habits. Bookmark the sites you shop from regularly, ignore unsolicited offers, and take a moment to verify before you click. Government agencies like the VA and FTC regularly update their warnings, so checking them periodically can help you stay ahead of new tricks.

Sources

  • VA News (.gov): “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 2026)
  • VA News (.gov): “Shopping for the real deal” (December 2024)
  • VA News (.gov): “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (November 2024)
  • VA News (.gov): “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (December 2023)
  • VA News (.gov): “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters” (January 2025)
  • Fox News: “Is ID.me safe to use? What you need to know” (May 2026)