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

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to steal your money or personal information. The Department of Veterans Affairs has published several alerts and guides on this topic, warning that fake websites, phishing emails, and even QR code scams are on the rise. Whether you are a veteran using VA benefits or anyone shopping online, knowing how to recognize these threats can save you time, money, and stress.

What’s happening

In January 2026, VA News and Information published an article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” It followed earlier guidance from December 2024 (“Shopping for the real deal”) and January 2025 (“Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters”). Separately, Fox News reported in May 2026 on a surge of fake traffic violation texts that use QR codes to steal payment information—a technique that can easily cross over into shopping scams. VA also recently launched the Claim Assist Portal (March 2026) to help veterans respond securely to benefit requests, part of a broader effort to protect sensitive data.

The common thread: scammers are getting more sophisticated, and they often target people during the holiday season or after major data breaches, but these attacks happen year-round.

Why it matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can mean more than losing the price of an item. Scammers often collect credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or login credentials. For veterans, compromised VA login information can put benefits data at risk. According to the VA, fraudsters may impersonate VA officials or create fake portals to trick beneficiaries into revealing personal details. Even if you catch the scam quickly, you may spend hours disputing charges, freezing credit, or replacing compromised accounts.

The financial loss is just one part. Identity theft can affect your credit score, ability to get loans, and even your access to healthcare benefits. That is why taking preventive steps matters more than relying on banks or government agencies to fix things after the fact.

What readers can do

Here are concrete actions you can take, drawn directly from VA guidance and other reliable sources.

Recognize common scams

  • Fake websites: Scammers copy legitimate storefronts with slightly misspelled URLs or lookalike domains. Always check the address bar. Legitimate sites use HTTPS (the padlock icon), but that alone is no guarantee—many phishing sites now use HTTPS too.
  • Phishing emails and texts: Emails claiming you won a prize, that your account has unusual activity, or that a package delivery failed are classic red flags. Never click links or open attachments from senders you don’t recognize. The QR code scam noted by Fox News shows how scammers embed malicious codes in messages that look like traffic tickets, directing you to a fake payment page.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals: Deep discounts on popular items, especially during off-season, are a common lure. If the price is significantly lower than other retailers, slow down and verify.

Verify before you buy

  • Type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.
  • Search for reviews of the seller from independent sources, not just testimonials on the site itself.
  • Use well-known marketplace platforms when possible—they often have buyer protection policies.
  • For veterans, the VA warns against anyone who asks you to verify your benefits ID outside of official VA websites or phone numbers.

Pay securely

  • Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection and you can dispute charges more easily.
  • Avoid wiring money, sending gift cards, or using cryptocurrency for purchases from unfamiliar sellers. These methods are nearly impossible to reverse.
  • Consider using virtual card numbers from your credit card issuer, or services like PayPal that add a layer of separation between your bank account and the merchant.

Protect your personal information

  • Do not share your Social Security number, date of birth, or banking details unless absolutely necessary. Legitimate retailers rarely ask for this.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email and shopping accounts, especially if you use the same email for VA correspondence.
  • Be cautious about forms that request more information than seems reasonable for a purchase. The VA’s “Protecting your benefits data” article advises never to give out your VA login details to third parties.

If you think you have been scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report fraudulent charges and request a chargeback.
  • Change the passwords on any accounts you used, especially your email and any online payment platforms.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local police if there was a significant financial loss.
  • Freeze your credit with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
  • If you are a veteran and suspect your VA benefits information has been compromised, call the VA’s fraud hotline or use the new Claim Assist Portal to securely respond to any suspicious requests. The VA also recommends using ID.me for identity verification—Fox News reported in May 2026 that ID.me is generally safe when accessed through official agency links, but be cautious if you receive unsolicited emails directing you to a verification page.

Stay informed

Scammers adapt quickly. What works today may be obsolete tomorrow, but the basic habits—slowing down, verifying sources, and using secure payment methods—remain effective. Bookmark official VA pages for scam alerts, and subscribe to the FTC’s consumer alerts. A little skepticism costs nothing and can prevent a costly mistake.

Sources:

  • VA News and Information: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan 28, 2026)
  • VA News and Information: “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec 10, 2024)
  • VA News and Information: “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters” (Jan 30, 2025)
  • VA News and Information: “Introducing the Claim Assist Portal” (Mar 4, 2026)
  • Fox News: “Is ID.me safe to use?” (May 12, 2026)
  • Fox News: “Fake traffic violation text scam uses QR codes to steal payment info” (May 4, 2026)