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

Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to fraud. Scammers keep refining their tactics, and no one is immune. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regularly issues warnings based on incidents reported by veterans and the broader public. Their advice applies to anyone shopping online, not just those who use VA services. Here’s what you need to know, distilled from official government guidance.

What happened: a reminder from VA News

On January 28, 2026, VA News published a piece titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” The article walked through common fraud schemes seen by the VA and law enforcement: phishing emails pretending to be from retailers or delivery services, fake websites that mimic legitimate stores, and offers that seem too good to be true. The warning was not tied to a single incident but rather reflected an ongoing pattern. Similar alerts from the VA have appeared in previous years, including during the 2024 and 2023 holiday seasons, indicating that these scams are persistent and adapt to current events.

Why it matters

Falling for a shopping scam can mean more than losing a few dollars. Scammers often aim to capture personal information—credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, login credentials—that can be used for identity theft. For veterans, that risk extends to their benefits data, including medical and disability information, which scammers can exploit. Even if you don’t lose money immediately, stolen data can be sold on the dark web or used to open accounts in your name. The VA emphasizes that these attacks happen year-round, not just during the holidays, so staying alert matters every time you click “add to cart.”

What you can do: practical steps from government experts

The VA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommend a handful of straightforward habits that dramatically reduce your risk. You don’t need special software—just a bit of caution and consistency.

1. Verify the seller before you buy. If you’re on a site you don’t recognize, look for contact information and a physical address. Search for reviews from independent sources, not just testimonials on the site itself. Be especially wary of stores that only accept wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—those payment methods are nearly impossible to reverse.

2. Watch for the red flags in emails and ads. Phishing messages often create urgency: “Your package is delayed—click here to reschedule” or “Limited-time deal ends today.” Hover over links before clicking to see the actual destination. If the URL looks odd (misspellings, unusual domains like .shop or .xyz), don’t click. Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information like passwords or Social Security numbers via email.

3. Use a credit card or a trusted payment service. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. Services like PayPal or Apple Pay add an extra layer because they don’t share your full card number with the merchant. Avoid direct bank transfers or any method that doesn’t let you dispute a charge.

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on shopping accounts. This adds a second step—usually a code sent to your phone—before someone can log in. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t access your account without that code. Most major retailers and payment services support 2FA.

5. Keep your devices and browsers updated. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Enable automatic updates on your phone, computer, and browser. Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for attackers to slip in.

6. If you think you’ve been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to freeze the card and dispute charges. Change passwords on any accounts you think may be compromised. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov—their database helps law enforcement track patterns. If the scam involves VA benefits or impersonation of a VA official, report it to the VA’s fraud hotline at 833-383-8992.

Staying safe is about habits, not fear

Government warnings like the one from VA News are not meant to scare you away from online shopping. They’re meant to help you build simple routines that block most scams before they succeed. Checking a URL, using a credit card, and enabling 2FA take seconds but provide lasting protection. The scammers will keep trying, but you don’t have to be an easy target.

Sources

  • VA News, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” January 28, 2026.
  • VA News, “Shopping for the real deal,” December 10, 2024.
  • VA News, “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online,” November 28, 2024.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams,” ftc.gov.