Don’t Get Tricked: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Shop Safely

Online shopping has become a daily habit for many of us. Convenience, a wider selection, and often better prices make it hard to resist. But scammers know this too. Every year, thousands of people lose money to fake websites, phony deals, and payment fraud. The 2024 FBI Internet Crime Report (released in 2025) noted that losses from online shopping scams continued to climb, and the VA regularly warns veterans and their families to stay vigilant. Whether you’re buying a gift, a household item, or a service, learning the red flags can save you time and money.

What’s Happening: The Scams You’ll Encounter

Online shopping scams take several forms, but they all aim to separate you from your money or personal information. Common ones include:

  • Fake websites and lookalike stores. A site might mimic a familiar brand (like a popular outdoor gear company) but have a slightly off URL (e.g., north-face-outlet-xyz.com). These sites often disappear after taking your payment.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals. An advertised price that’s far below market value—say, a new laptop for $150—is almost always a scam. The product either never arrives or is a knockoff.
  • Phishing emails with “special offers.” Scammers send emails pretending to be from a store you use, asking you to click a link to claim a deal. That link leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
  • Unusual payment methods. Sellers who insist on wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are almost certainly scammers. Credit card transactions offer some protection; these methods do not.

The VA News article from January 2026 specifically reminds shoppers to watch out for scams and stay safe while shopping online, noting that scammers often target those who frequently shop for health-related items or use government benefits.

Why It Matters: The Real Cost

Beyond the immediate financial loss, falling for an online shopping scam can expose your personal data. Scammers may use your credit card number or address for identity theft. For veterans and military families, this can also lead to sensitive information about benefits or medical history being stolen. The MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) article highlights that scammers often prey on the trust within military communities. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report underscores that these scams are not rare—they’re a persistent risk that evolves with each holiday season and new technology.

What You Can Do: Practical Steps to Stay Safe

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here are concrete actions you can take, based on guidance from the FTC and VA.

Before you buy:

  • Verify the website. Look for HTTPS in the URL (the padlock icon), but don’t trust that alone. Search for the store name plus “scam” or “review” to see what others say.
  • Check for real contact information. Legitimate businesses have a working customer service phone number and address. Scammers often hide this or use fake details.
  • Use a credit card, not debit or gift cards. Credit cards offer chargeback rights if the product never appears. Debit cards have weaker protections.
  • Be wary of social media ads. Many fake stores are promoted on Facebook or Instagram. If an ad pushes a massive discount and a countdown timer, pause and research.

If you suspect a scam:

  • Don’t click any links in unsolicited emails or messages. Go directly to the retailer’s official website.
  • Report the site to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

If you’ve already been scammed:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to freeze the card and dispute the charge.
  • Change passwords for any accounts you used on the fraudulent site, especially if you logged in.
  • Monitor your credit reports for unauthorized accounts (you can get free reports at annualcreditreport.com).

The VA also provides scam alerts specific to veterans, so check the VA News website or subscribe to their updates.

Additional Resources

  • FTC Consumer Advice: ftc.gov/scams
  • FBI IC3: ic3.gov
  • VA Scam Alerts: news.va.gov (search “scam”)
  • MOAA Military Scams Guide: moaa.org

Staying safe online doesn’t require paranoia—just a few careful habits. Take an extra minute to verify a seller before you hit “buy.” Your wallet and your identity will thank you.