Online Shopping Scams Are Still Common: What to Watch For
Every year, millions of Americans shop online for everything from groceries to gifts. The convenience is real, but so are the risks. Scammers have become skilled at impersonating legitimate stores, payment portals, and even government agencies. Recent warnings from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) remind us that these threats aren’t going away. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper or just browsing occasionally, knowing how to spot a scam is the best way to protect your money and personal data.
What’s Happening
Government agencies have issued repeated alerts about online shopping scams. The VA published several articles in 2024 and early 2025 outlining common tactics used by fraudsters, particularly around the holiday season. These include fake websites that closely mimic real retailers, phishing emails that claim a purchase didn’t go through, and fake payment portals that steal credit card numbers. The FDIC also put out a warning in August 2024 about scammers impersonating banks through fake websites and phishing attempts. Meanwhile, Fox News reported on the safety of ID.me, a service used for identity verification, noting that scammers sometimes use similar-sounding domains to trick people.
These scams are not rare. They are persistent and target people of all ages. The VA’s “Shopping for the real deal” article (December 2024) and its holiday shopping risk guide (November 2024) offer concrete advice, underscoring that the problem grows during peak shopping periods.
Why It Matters
When you fall for an online shopping scam, you’re not just losing the money you spent — you may also give away sensitive information that can be used for identity theft. Scammers can use your email, address, and payment details to open accounts, make fraudulent purchases, or even apply for credit in your name. Once your information is out, cleaning up the mess can take months.
The stakes are higher if you receive benefits from the government, like VA benefits. Scammers may target veterans specifically using phrasing about benefits or medical records. The VA’s “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (December 2023) highlights how fraudsters try to trick people into sharing login credentials for myVet or other portals.
Even if you think you’re too careful to be fooled, scammers have become more sophisticated. Fake websites can look nearly identical to the real thing, and phishing emails often use logos and language that seem genuine. The only way to stay safe is to follow consistent verification habits.
What You Can Do
Here are practical steps every online shopper can take, based on government advice and common sense.
1. Verify the website before entering any information
Look at the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that are very close to the real one, like “amaz0n.com” or “paypa1.com.” Ensure the site uses HTTPS (the padlock icon in the address bar), but understand that a padlock alone isn’t a guarantee of legitimacy. Check for a working “Contact Us” page, physical address, and phone number.
2. Use secure payment methods
Whenever possible, pay with a credit card or a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. These offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Scammers almost always ask for these because they’re nearly impossible to reverse.
3. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true deals
If a price is drastically lower than other stores, ask yourself why. Scammers lure people with unbelievable discounts to get them to click without thinking. Cross-check the price on a few known sites before buying.
4. Watch for red flags in emails and messages
Phishing emails often have urgent subject lines like “Your order has been canceled” or “Verify your account now.” They may include a link that looks legitimate but leads to a fake login page. Never click a link in an unsolicited email. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the address yourself.
5. Research the seller
If you’re buying from a new or small retailer, look up reviews. Search for the store name plus “scam” or “complaint.” Check if the business has been around for a while. A site with no reviews or only glowing five-star reviews might be fake.
6. Monitor your accounts
Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. If you notice a charge you don’t recognize, report it immediately. Many banks let you set up alerts for transactions over a certain amount.
7. If you think you’ve been scammed, act fast
Contact your bank or credit card issuer as soon as you realize something’s wrong. They can freeze your card, start a chargeback, and help you monitor for fraud. You may also want to freeze your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state’s consumer protection office.
Sources
These references informed this article and are worth reading for more detail:
- VA News (.gov) – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 2026)
- VA News (.gov) – “Shopping for the real deal” (December 2024)
- VA News (.gov) – “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (November 2024)
- VA News (.gov) – “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (December 2023)
- FDIC (.gov) – “Scammers and Fake Banks” (August 2024)
- Fox News – “Is ID.me safe to use? What you need to know” (May 2026)
Staying safe online doesn’t require advanced tech skills. It just takes a few moments of caution before you click “buy.” Shop smart, and if something feels off, trust that feeling.