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

Every year, scammers refine their tactics to separate shoppers from their money. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issues warnings to its community about these threats—advice that applies to anyone buying goods online. Whether you’re hunting for holiday deals or just restocking everyday items, understanding how fraudsters operate can save you time, money, and stress.

What Happened

Government agencies like the VA have repeatedly alerted the public to the rise of online shopping scams. In January 2026, the VA News site published a reminder to “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” Earlier articles from 2024 and 2025 covered similar ground: “Shopping for the real deal,” “Navigating holiday shopping risks,” and “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters.” These advisories aren’t niche—they reflect a broader pattern affecting all consumers, not just veterans.

Scammers use fake websites, phishing emails, too-good-to-be-true deals, and fabricated reviews to lure victims. During peak shopping seasons—like the winter holidays—these attempts spike. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regularly reports that consumers lose hundreds of millions of dollars each year to online shopping fraud.

Why It Matters

When you fall for a shopping scam, you don’t just lose the cost of an item that never arrives. You may also hand over personal information—your name, address, credit card number, even your Social Security number if the site is designed to harvest data. That information can be used for identity theft or sold to other criminals.

Older adults and less tech-savvy shoppers are especially vulnerable. Scammers often exploit urgency (“Only 3 left at this price!”) or impersonate trusted retailers. The result isn’t just a bad purchase; it’s a breach that can take months to resolve. Given how common online shopping has become, knowing the red flags is a basic skill, not an optional one.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be an expert to shop safely. A few straightforward habits can block most scams.

1. Verify the website before you enter payment info.
Look closely at the URL. Scammers often use addresses that mimic real stores but have subtle misspellings (e.g., “amaz0n.com” or “walmart-deals.shop”). Check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar—though that alone isn’t a guarantee, it’s a basic sign the site uses encryption. Do a quick search for the store name plus the word “scam” or “review.” If multiple results warn about fraud, walk away.

2. Watch for unrealistic deals.
If a laptop normally costs $1,000 and a site offers it for $150, that’s almost certainly a fraud. Scammers play on greed and urgency. Take a moment to compare prices on legitimate retail sites. If something seems too good to be true, it is.

3. Avoid unusual payment methods.
Legitimate retailers accept credit cards, PayPal, or other mainstream services. Scammers often insist on wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These payments are nearly impossible to reverse. The FTC recommends using a credit card for online purchases because you have stronger fraud protection—you can dispute the charge.

4. Look for signs of a legitimate business.
Check for a physical address and a customer service phone number. Call the number if you’re unsure. Search for the business on the Better Business Bureau website. Read the return policy and privacy policy—if they’re vague or nonexistent, that’s a red flag. Be wary of sites that have only a few products or look hastily built.

5. Be skeptical of emails and ads.
Phishing emails often mimic order confirmations or shipping notices from companies you don’t recall buying from. Don’t click the links. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website and log in to check your order status. Likewise, social media ads from unknown brands can be risky—stick to stores you know or have researched.

6. Use purchase alerts and monitor your accounts.
Set up text or email alerts for credit card transactions above a small amount. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly—weekly at minimum. The earlier you spot an unauthorized charge, the easier it is to reverse.

If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and request a new card. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you shared personal information like your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. Also report the fraudulent website to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

A Final Note

No one is immune to these scams—even experienced shoppers can be fooled by a well-crafted fake site. The key is to slow down, verify, and trust your gut. If a deal makes you feel uneasy, skip it. A few minutes of caution can prevent weeks of hassle.

Sources

  • VA News. “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” January 28, 2026.
  • VA News. “Shopping for the real deal.” December 10, 2024.
  • VA News. “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online.” November 28, 2024.
  • VA News. “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters.” January 30, 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “What To Do If You Were Scammed.” Consumer Advice.