How to spot and avoid online shopping scams this season

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts fraudsters. Scams that target shoppers are becoming more common, especially during major sales events and the holiday season. Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission, have issued warnings about the most frequent tactics. The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns, and a few simple precautions can keep you safe.

What’s happening

According to a recent article from VA News (published January 29, 2026), online shopping scams are on the rise. The article, titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” outlines how criminals use phishing emails, fake websites, and social media ads that promise unrealistically low prices. Many of these scams are designed to steal payment information or personal data, and they often spike during peak shopping periods.

Government consumer protection agencies have also reported consistent patterns. The FTC notes that scammers frequently impersonate well-known retailers, send fake order confirmations, or pose as delivery services asking for payment or personal details to “reschedule” a package.

Why it matters

Anyone who shops online is a potential target. Less tech-savvy individuals, including older adults, are especially vulnerable because they may be less familiar with the signs of a fake site or a phishing email. But even experienced shoppers can be caught off guard during a busy sale event when they’re moving quickly.

The financial and personal cost can be significant. Victims may lose money directly, have their credit card details stolen, or fall prey to identity theft. Recovering from a scam takes time and effort, and some losses are never fully recovered. The goal isn’t to scare you away from shopping online—it’s to help you recognize red flags before you hand over any information.

What you can do

Most scams can be avoided by staying alert and following a few straightforward steps.

1. Verify the website before you buy

Look at the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that are close to a real retailer’s domain but contain a misspelling or an extra word (for example, “amaz0n.com” or “bestbuy-deals.net”).
Check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar. This is not a guarantee of legitimacy, but it’s a basic minimum. Sites that lack it should be avoided.
Search for reviews of the website, especially from independent sources. If the site is new or has mostly negative feedback, think twice.

2. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true

A brand-new laptop for 80% off? A designer handbag for twenty dollars? Scammers know low prices attract attention. If the discount is huge and the website looks amateurish or lacks contact information, it’s probably a fake.

3. Recognize phishing emails and fake ads

Phishing emails often claim there’s a problem with your order, ask you to click a link to “confirm” payment, or include a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
Never click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, type the retailer’s official website into your browser directly.
Social media ads can also be misleading. Scammers pay for ads that look like legitimate promotions. Clicking can lead to a fake checkout page that steals your card details.

4. Use safe payment methods

Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If a charge is fraudulent, you can dispute it with the card issuer.
Digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay add an extra layer of security because they don’t share your actual card number with the seller.
Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards as payment. Scammers almost always ask for these because they are nearly impossible to trace or reverse.

5. Protect your personal information

Only share what’s necessary to complete the purchase. A legitimate retailer needs your shipping address and payment info, but they do not need your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords.
Be wary of any site that asks for excessive personal information during checkout.

6. Know what to do if you are scammed

If you realize you’ve given money or information to a scammer, act quickly:

Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the fraud and attempt to stop or reverse the payment.
Change the passwords for any accounts you used on the fake site, especially if you reused the password elsewhere.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps authorities track new schemes.
If the scam involved a package delivery notification, also report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or the shipping company.

A final word

Online shopping is here to stay, and the vast majority of transactions go smoothly. By staying aware of the most common tricks, you can shop with confidence. If something feels off—the price, the website, the email—trust that feeling and step away. A few extra minutes of caution are worth avoiding hours of hassle later.

Sources

VA News. “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” Published January 29, 2026.
Federal Trade Commission. “Shopping for the real deal.” Consumer Advice.
Federal Trade Commission. “Spot Health Insurance Scams.” Consumer Advice.
VA News. “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online.” November 28, 2024.