How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. A few clicks and your order is on the way. But the same convenience also attracts scammers. Fraudulent websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods cost consumers billions every year. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly publishes guidance to help veterans and all shoppers stay safe. Their advice is straightforward and worth following—especially during peak shopping seasons but applicable year-round.

What Happened

In January 2026, the VA News team published an article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” It outlines the most common threats, from fake retailer websites that look nearly identical to legitimate ones, to emails that appear to come from well-known brands or even the VA itself. The article is part of a series that includes “Shopping for the real deal” (December 2024) and “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters” (January 2025). Taken together, these resources provide a practical playbook for avoiding deception online.

Government agencies like the FTC and the VA have seen a steady rise in reports of online shopping fraud. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using logos, official-looking URLs, and urgency—like “limited time offer” pop-ups—to trick people into handing over payment details and personal information.

Why It Matters

For anyone who shops online, the risks go beyond a lost package. A well-executed scam can lead to identity theft, drained bank accounts, and unauthorized use of credit cards. For veterans who rely on VA benefits, the stakes are even higher. Scammers sometimes target benefit recipients with fake offers promising faster claims processing or bonus payments in exchange for sensitive data. Once that information is stolen, it can be used to redirect payments or commit other forms of fraud.

Even if you are not a veteran, the same tactics apply to general consumers. Knowing how to spot a fake website or a phishing email is a basic skill that protects your finances and your privacy.

What Readers Can Do

The VA recommends several concrete steps to reduce your risk while shopping online.

Check the URL and site security. Before entering any payment information, look at the web address. Scammers often register domain names that are slight misspellings of real stores (e.g., “amaz0n-shop.com”). Also confirm the site uses HTTPS—the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. That said, a padlock alone is not a guarantee; it only means the connection is encrypted, not that the business is legitimate.

Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true deals. If a price is far below what you see elsewhere, pause. Scammers lure shoppers with deep discounts on high-demand items like electronics or designer goods. Read product descriptions carefully. Check for multiple independent reviews, not just the five-star ones posted on the site.

Avoid paying with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These methods offer no buyer protection. Credit cards are generally safer because you can dispute unauthorized charges.

Use strong, unique passwords for shopping accounts. Enable two-factor authentication if the site offers it. That extra step—usually a code sent to your phone—makes it much harder for someone else to access your account.

Do not shop on public Wi-Fi. Unsecured networks can allow hackers to intercept your data. If you must make a purchase while out, use your phone’s cellular data or a trusted VPN.

Watch for phishing emails and texts. A common trick is an email that looks like it comes from a shipper (like FedEx or USPS) saying a package delivery failed and asking you to click a link to reschedule. Hover over the link—if the real destination doesn’t match the sender, delete it. Go directly to the carrier’s website instead.

If you are a VA benefit user, be extra careful with calls or messages claiming to be from the VA. The VA will never ask for your personal information by phone, email, or text. If you receive such a request, hang up and report it.

What to do if you have been scammed. Act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and freeze your card if needed. Change your passwords. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your VA benefits information was compromised, notify the VA directly through their fraud hotline or website. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file with one of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).

Sources

  • VA News (.gov) – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 28, 2026)
  • VA News (.gov) – “Shopping for the real deal” (December 12, 2024)
  • VA News (.gov) – “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters” (January 30, 2025)
  • Fox News – “Is ID.me safe to use? What you need to know” (May 12, 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission – ReportFraud.ftc.gov

The key is to slow down. Scammers rely on urgency and distraction. If something feels off, trust that instinct. A few extra seconds of checking can save you weeks of headaches.