How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Season

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. Recent alerts from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation remind us that these threats are evolving. Whether you’re a veteran managing benefits online or anyone buying gifts during peak seasons, a few simple precautions can make the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake.

What Happened

In January 2026, VA News published a warning about ongoing online shopping scams targeting veterans and the general public. The alert highlighted fake shipping notifications, phishing emails that mimic trusted retailers, and fraudulent websites designed to capture payment details. Around the same time, the FDIC issued a separate consumer advisory in August 2024 concerning scammers impersonating real banks or creating entirely fake banks to trick shoppers into wiring money or sharing account numbers.

These aren’t isolated incidents. Scammers constantly adapt their tactics, especially around holidays and benefit payment dates. The VA’s guidance stresses that veterans are specifically at risk because their personal information—like disability or pension details—can be exploited if criminals gain access to VA accounts.

Why It Matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and hours of frustration trying to recover stolen funds. For veterans, there’s an added layer of risk: scammers may try to divert VA benefits or use stolen credentials to file fraudulent claims. Even a small compromise—like entering your credit card number on a fake site—can open the door to larger problems.

The FDIC note that fake banks often promise extremely low interest rates or easy loans to lure victims. Once you deposit money or provide personal information, the “bank” disappears. Similarly, fake shipping notifications might ask you to click a link to “reschedule delivery,” leading to a site that steals your login credentials or installs malware.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. Here are concrete steps anyone can take:

  • Verify the seller. Before entering payment details, check the website’s URL for misspellings or unusual domains (e.g., “amaz0n-shop.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Look for contact information and read reviews from multiple sources. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Watch for pressure tactics. Scammers often create urgency: “Limited stock – buy now!” or “Your order is on hold, click here to confirm.” Legitimate retailers rarely demand immediate action without clear reason.

  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and you can dispute charges more easily. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments to unknown sellers.

  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your shopping accounts and email. This adds an extra layer of security even if your password is stolen.

  • Keep software updated. Regularly update your browser, operating system, and antivirus software. Scammers exploit known vulnerabilities that updates fix.

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited messages. Don’t click links in emails or texts that claim to be from shipping companies, banks, or retailers unless you actively expect the package or message. Go directly to the official website or app.

  • Report suspicious activity. If you suspect a scam, contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts or reverse charges. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Veterans can also call the VA’s fraud hotline at 1-833-388-7233 or visit the VA Office of Inspector General website to report benefit-related scams.

After a suspected compromise, change your passwords—especially for email, banking, and VA accounts. Monitor your statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions.

Sources

  • VA News (.gov) – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 28, 2026)
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – “Scammers and Fake Banks” consumer advisory (August 2024)

Both sources are public government alerts and can be accessed through news.va.gov and fdic.gov. For additional guidance, the VA’s cybersecurity page offers tailored resources for veterans.