How to Shop Online Without Getting Scammed This Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season brings a flood of deals—and, unfortunately, a flood of scams. As more people buy gifts online, fraudsters sharpen their tactics. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), reported losses to fraud reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a sharp increase from previous years. Imposter scams and online shopping scams were among the most common complaints. Being alert can save you money and frustration.

What Happened

Online shopping scams are not new, but they have become more sophisticated. The FTC’s 2024 data show a significant jump in losses, partly driven by fake websites, phishing emails, and deceptive social media ads. Many scams target people who are in a hurry, looking for the perfect gift at a low price. Scammers impersonate well-known retailers or create lookalike stores that seem legitimate at first glance.

Why It Matters

Falling for a shopping scam means more than losing a few dollars. It can lead to identity theft, unauthorized credit card charges, and months of paperwork to resolve. The FTC notes that imposter scams—where someone pretends to be a trusted business or a family member—are particularly harmful because they exploit trust. The holiday season’s time pressure and emotional investment make people more vulnerable.

What Readers Can Do

The best defense is a set of simple habits. The FTC offers clear guidance, and here is a practical breakdown.

1. Watch for fake websites and lookalike domains

Scammers register domain names that are almost identical to real stores—for example, “amaz0n.com” or “target-discounts.net.” Before you enter payment information, double-check the URL in the address bar. Look for misspellings, extra words, or a suspicious top-level domain (like .shop or .xyz). A legitimate retailer will usually have a .com, .org, or country-specific domain.

2. Be skeptical of unsolicited emails and texts

Phishing messages often claim there is a problem with your order, a limited-time offer, or a shipping delay. The FTC warns against clicking links or downloading attachments in these messages. Instead, open a new browser tab and go directly to the retailer’s website. Log into your account there to check any real issues.

3. Treat social media ads with caution

Many scams start as promoted posts on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. The ad may feature a popular product at an unbelievable price. The FTC recommends researching the seller before buying. Look for reviews from independent sources, not just the ones on the platform. If the seller has no website or a very sparse one, it is a red flag.

4. Avoid unusual payment methods

Legitimate online stores accept credit cards, debit cards, or trusted payment services like PayPal. Scammers often ask for payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. The FTC states that once you send money through those methods, it is nearly impossible to get it back. Credit cards generally offer better fraud protection than debit cards, so use them when possible.

5. Check return and refund policies

Fake sites often bury or omit their terms. Before buying, read the return policy. If it is vague, nonexistent, or requires you to pay shipping both ways, think twice. Real retailers provide clear, accessible information.

6. Report a scam if you fall victim

If you suspect you have been scammed, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charges. Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Then file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps the agency track patterns and warn others.

Sources

The tips above are drawn from several FTC publications:

  • “How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season” (2025)
  • “New FTC Data Show a Big Jump in Reported Losses to Fraud to $12.5 Billion in 2024” (2025)
  • “Top scams of 2024” (2025)
  • “As Nationwide Fraud Losses Top $10 Billion in 2023, FTC Steps Up Efforts to Protect the Public” (2024)
  • “Top tips for avoiding scams at the holidays” (2019)

No single approach eliminates all risk, but these steps greatly reduce your chances of losing money or personal information. Stay cautious, take your time, and remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.