How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams This Year

Online shopping scams are becoming more sophisticated each year, and they often target veterans and military families who use VA benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs has published several alerts in recent months warning about fake websites, phishing emails, and impostor calls designed to steal personal information and benefit payments. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can save you money and protect your identity.

What happened

In the past two years, VA News has released multiple articles about online shopping risks. A January 2026 piece titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” reminded readers that scammers use fake retailer sites and fraudulent social media ads to trick shoppers into providing personal and financial details. Earlier, in December 2024, VA News published “Shopping for the real deal” and “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online,” both highlighting the rise in scams during peak shopping seasons.

Another article from December 2023, “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season,” specifically warned about thieves trying to gain access to VA benefit accounts. And in January 2025, “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters” offered guidance on safeguarding login credentials. These are not isolated incidents. The VA consistently warns that fraudsters adapt their tactics throughout the year.

Why it matters

For veterans and others receiving VA benefits, the stakes are high. A scammer who obtains your VA login credentials can change direct deposit information, redirect payments, or apply for loans in your name. Even if the fraud is eventually reversed, it can take weeks or months to resolve, during which time you may lose access to funds. Identity theft also affects credit scores and can complicate future benefit claims.

Scammers are drawn to benefit users because the payments are reliable and often substantial. They also know that many veterans are unfamiliar with the security features of VA websites, making them more susceptible to fake login pages. According to a Fox News article from May 2026 on ID.me safety, identity verification services used by the VA (such as ID.me) can be a target for phishing, where criminals send official-looking emails asking you to “verify” your account.

What readers can do

The good news is that most scams are avoidable with a few consistent habits. Below are practical steps, organized by what the VA recommends and general best practices.

Confirm any VA communication

The VA will never ask for your password, PIN, or full Social Security number by email, text, or phone. If you receive a message claiming to be from the VA with a link or urgent request, do not click. Instead, log in directly to va.gov or call the official VA number (800-827-1000) to verify. VA News articles emphasize that legitimate VA alerts never pressure you to act immediately.

Protect your VA account

Use a strong, unique password for your VA account and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) if available. VA’s login system uses ID.me or Login.gov, both of which offer MFA options. The Fox News article notes that “phishing attempts often mimic the look of ID.me login pages,” so always check the URL before entering credentials. The official site should start with https://secure.login.gov or https://id.me.

Recognize common scam red flags

  • Too-good-to-be-true deals – If a price is far below market value, it is likely a fake website.
  • Payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency – Legitimate retailers accept credit cards or PayPal.
  • Urgent language – “Limited time offer” or “Your account will be suspended” are pressure tactics.
  • Misspellings and strange URLs – A site like va-gov-benefits.com is not the real VA.
  • Unsolicited emails or social media ads – Especially those that ask you to download an attachment or click a link.

General online shopping safety

  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer better fraud protection.
  • Shop only on sites with HTTPS in the URL and a padlock icon.
  • Read reviews from multiple sources – but be aware that fake positive reviews are common.
  • Keep your browser, operating system, and antivirus software updated.
  • If an offer appears in a social media feed, search for the retailer name plus “scam” or “complaints” before buying.

What to do if you are scammed

If you believe you have been scammed, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to stop payment or dispute a charge. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the scam involves your VA benefits or account information, report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at va.gov/oig (hotline: 800-488-8244). Also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus.

Staying vigilant year-round

Scams do not only happen during holiday shopping seasons. Tax season, benefit enrollment periods, and even quiet months see new phishing campaigns. By keeping the practices above in mind and regularly checking official VA news sources, you can protect your finances and your benefits. The VA’s best advice is simple: slow down, verify everything, and never share personal information with someone who contacts you unsolicited.

Sources

  • VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan 2026)
  • VA News: “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec 2024)
  • VA News: “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov 2024)
  • VA News: “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (Dec 2023)
  • VA News: “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters” (Jan 2025)
  • Fox News: “Is ID.me safe to use? What you need to know” (May 2026)