How to Outsmart Online Shopping Scams – Tips You Can Use Today

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraud. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost billions of dollars to online shopping scams last year. These scams are especially active around major sales events like Prime Day and Black Friday, but they happen all year. The good news is that most scams can be avoided with a few simple checks. Here’s what you need to know.

What Happened

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued repeated warnings about calls and texts claiming suspicious purchases on Amazon. These messages often ask you to confirm a fake charge or “cancel” an order, and they try to trick you into handing over personal information or money. The VA News recently published an article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” noting that scammers impersonate well-known retailers, government agencies, and even delivery services. Meanwhile, the FBI report shows that phishing and non-payment/non-delivery scams remain the most common types of internet crime.

Why It Matters

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated. Fake websites can look almost identical to real stores. Phishing emails now include official-looking logos and convincing sender addresses. Anyone can be caught off guard—even experienced shoppers. When you fall for a scam, you may lose money, have your credit card numbers stolen, or become a victim of identity theft. And because many scams are cross-border, recovering funds is often difficult or impossible. That’s why learning to spot red flags before you click “pay” is your best defense.

What Readers Can Do

1. Inspect the website before buying

Before you enter any payment details, check the URL. Scammers often use addresses that are slightly misspelled (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Also look for a padlock icon and “https://” at the start of the URL—though this alone does not guarantee legitimacy. Legitimate stores provide a physical address, customer service phone number, and clear return policies. If you only find a contact form and no other way to reach them, be cautious.

2. Read reviews critically

Check independent review sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. But watch out for fake five-star reviews that sound generic or are posted in bulk. Sorting reviews by “most recent” can reveal patterns like undelivered orders or poor customer service. If a store has no online presence outside its own website, that’s a red flag.

3. Be skeptical of “too good to be true” deals

Extremely low prices, especially for popular electronics or designer goods, are almost always scams. Scammers create a sense of urgency—“only 2 left!”—to rush your decision. Take a moment to compare prices with other retailers. If the price seems impossible, it probably is.

4. Avoid risky payment methods

Pay with a credit card whenever possible. Credit cards offer strong fraud protection, and you can dispute unauthorized charges. PayPal also provides buyer protection for eligible purchases. Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or digital payment apps like Zelle or Venmo for items from strangers. These methods are almost impossible to reverse.

5. Watch for phishing texts and emails

Scammers send fake alerts that look like they come from Amazon, Walmart, or your bank. They often say “your account has been compromised” or “a large purchase was made.” Do not click any links in such messages. Instead, open a new browser tab and go directly to the company’s official website. The FTC warns that these “Amazon purchase” scams are very common.

6. If you think you’ve been scammed, act quickly

Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to freeze the card and dispute the charge. Change your passwords for any accounts you entered on the fake site. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). If you shared your Social Security number, consider freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent identity theft.

Staying Safe Is a Habit

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to avoid most shopping scams. Pausing before you pay, double-checking URLs, and using a credit card are simple steps that go a long way. As the VA News article advises, “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” by staying alert, even when you’re in a hurry.

Sources

  • FBI, 2024 Internet Crime Report (May 2025)
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam” (March 2024)
  • VA News, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 2026)
  • MOAA, “Military Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Community” (July 2025)