Don’t Get Scammed: How to Shop Safely Online This Year

Online shopping has never been more convenient, but that convenience comes with risk. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and during peak shopping seasons—like holidays, back-to-school, or major sales events—the number of fraudulent offers spikes. Recent alerts from the VA, the Federal Trade Commission, and the FDIC confirm that phishing emails, fake websites, and too-good-to-be-true deals are still among the top threats. Here’s a practical, up-to-date guide to recognizing and avoiding these scams, whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just getting started.

What’s Happening: The Most Common Scams Right Now

Scammers follow the money, and online shopping is a huge target. In the past year alone, government agencies have issued repeated warnings about:

  • Phishing emails that impersonate well-known retailers. You receive an email that looks like it’s from Amazon, Walmart, or a shipping carrier, asking you to click a link to confirm an order or update payment details. The link leads to a fake login page that steals your credentials.
  • Fake websites that copy real store designs. Scammers register domains like “amaz0n-deals.com” or “bestbuy-discount2026.com” and use professional-looking templates. They often show up in search results for popular products at prices far below normal.
  • Social media marketplace fraud. On platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Instagram, scammers post listings for items they don’t have. They pressure buyers to pay via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse.
  • Fake customer service numbers. After a purchase, victims search for a support number and call a scam line, where they’re tricked into giving remote access to their computer or sharing banking information.

These tactics are not new, but they evolve quickly. The VA News article published in January 2026 specifically warns veterans and their families to be extra cautious when shopping online, especially with deals that seem unusually generous.

Why It Matters

The financial damage from online shopping scams runs into billions each year, but the real cost goes beyond money. Once a scammer gets your credit card number, login credentials, or personal information, they can use it for identity theft, open accounts in your name, or sell it on the dark web. Older adults and less tech-savvy users are often targeted more aggressively, but anyone can fall for a well-crafted scheme.

Even if you only lose a small amount, the process of disputing charges, changing passwords, and monitoring accounts is time-consuming and stressful. The FDIC has also warned about scammers posing as banks to trick people into revealing account details—so staying safe while shopping means being alert even after the purchase.

What Readers Can Do: Practical Steps

You don’t need to be an expert to protect yourself. These steps cover the basics:

1. Verify the seller before you buy

If you’re on a website you’ve never used before, do a quick check. Look for a secure connection (the URL should start with “https://” and show a padlock icon). Search for the store name plus “scam” or “review” to see if others have reported problems. Check the “About Us” and “Contact” pages—legitimate businesses provide a physical address and phone number.

2. Be skeptical of unexpected emails or texts

Never click a link in an email that claims to be from a retailer unless you are 100% sure it’s real. Instead, open your browser and go directly to the store’s official website. If the email says there’s a problem with an order, log in to your account manually to check.

3. Use secure payment methods

Credit cards offer the best fraud protection in the U.S. Most card issuers allow you to dispute unauthorized charges. Payment services like PayPal also provide buyer protection in many cases. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency for online shopping—these are the preferred methods of scammers because they leave no paper trail.

4. Watch for red flags

  • Prices that are 50–80% lower than anywhere else.
  • Sites that demand payment in unusual ways or pressure you to “act now” because the deal is ending soon.
  • Poor grammar, misspellings, or low-resolution images on the website.
  • No reviews or reviews that all sound generic (many fakes).

5. Monitor your accounts regularly

After a purchase, check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Set up alerts for transactions above a certain amount. If you see something suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately.

6. Know what to do if you’ve been scammed

If you realize you’ve given money or personal information to a scammer:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company right away to freeze the account and dispute the charge.
  • Change the passwords for any accounts that may be compromised.
  • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. They share data with law enforcement.
  • If you used a payment service like PayPal, file a dispute through their resolution center.

Seasonal Reminders

During holidays, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other big sales events, take extra care. Scammers create fake ads and social media posts that look like official promotions. Stick to known retailers, avoid clicking random links in emails, and remember: if a deal seems impossible, it probably is. The VA News article “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (November 2024) echoes this advice.

Sources

  • VA News (.gov) — “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 2026)
  • VA News (.gov) — “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (November 2024)
  • VA News (.gov) — “Shopping for the real deal” (December 2024)
  • Federal Trade Commission — “Spot Health Insurance Scams” (December 2025) and general consumer advice
  • FDIC — “Scammers and Fake Banks” (August 2024)
  • Fox News — “Is ID.me safe to use? What you need to know” (May 2026)

Staying informed is your best defense. Bookmark official resources, share this guide with family and friends who might be less experienced online, and always take a moment to think before you click “buy.”