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

Online shopping is a convenience most of us rely on, but it also opens the door to scammers. Veterans and military families are often targeted because fraudsters assume they have steady benefits or may be less familiar with digital threats. VA News has published multiple guides on this topic, including a recent article that outlines exactly how to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. The advice is straightforward and worth reviewing before your next purchase.

What happened

VA News, the official news service of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has been running a series of articles on online safety for veterans. The most recent piece, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” was published in January 2026. It joins earlier articles like “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec 2024) and “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov 2024). These guides cover common scams such as fake websites, phishing emails that pretend to be from retailers, counterfeit goods, and “too good to be true” deals. The advice is consistent across all of them: verify sellers, use secure payment methods, and report anything suspicious.

Why it matters

The stakes are higher for veterans because scammers don’t just target credit cards—they may try to steal VA benefit information or use fake charity appeals. Once personal data is compromised, it can take months to untangle. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that online shopping fraud remains a top category of consumer complaints, and older adults are disproportionately affected. Veterans with disabilities or those managing benefits online are especially vulnerable. The VA’s guidance is a credible, government-backed resource that cuts through the noise.

What readers can do

Here are the concrete steps VA News recommends, drawn from several of their articles:

1. Learn to recognize common scams.
Fake websites often have odd URLs (like amaz0n-deals.co), poor grammar, and no real contact information. Phishing emails may mimic a retailer but ask you to click a link to “confirm your order” or “update billing.” Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive data this way.

2. Verify the seller before you buy.
Search for the store name plus “scam” or “review” to see complaints. Look for a physical address and working customer service number. If the only payment options are wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, walk away.

3. Use safe payment methods.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Consider using a virtual card number or a service like PayPal that acts as a buffer. Never send payment outside the platform you’re shopping on.

4. Protect your personal information.
Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. Keep your browser, phone, and antivirus software updated. Scammers often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems.

5. Know what to do if you’ve been scammed.
Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to stop the payment. Change passwords on any accounts you may have used. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA’s fraud hotline if it involves your benefits. Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity is also wise.

6. Use official resources.
Bookmark the VA’s fraud prevention page and the FTC’s consumer advice section. The information is free, regularly updated, and tailored to common schemes.

Sources

The following VA News articles informed this post:

The FTC’s consumer advice page is also a reliable, non-VA resource: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Staying safe while shopping online doesn’t require paranoia—just a few habits and a willingness to slow down when a deal seems too good. The VA’s guidance is a solid starting point for anyone who wants to protect their money and their personal information.