How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Tips to Stay Safe

Online shopping offers convenience and often better prices, but it also comes with risks. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, creating fake websites, sending convincing emails, and posting too-good-to-be-true deals on social media. Recent alerts from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) highlight that veterans and their families are common targets, though the advice applies to anyone who shops online. Knowing what to watch for can help you protect your money and personal information.

What’s happening

The VA has published multiple warnings about online shopping scams between 2023 and 2026, noting a rise in fraudulent activity during holiday seasons and year-round. Scammers often:

  • Create fake retailer websites that look nearly identical to legitimate stores.
  • Send phishing emails disguised as order confirmations, shipping notifications, or special offers.
  • Promote deals on social media that lead to counterfeit or non-existent products.
  • Use “overpayment” or “refund” scams to trick shoppers into sending money back.

These tactics are not new, but they evolve quickly. One VA alert from January 2026 specifically urged shoppers to “watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” echoing earlier warnings from December 2024 and November 2024.

Why it matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can mean losing money, having your credit card details stolen, or even having your identity compromised. Veterans are sometimes specifically targeted because scammers know they may receive benefits or have access to VA accounts. However, the same red flags apply to everyone.

Using a credit card offers better fraud protection than a debit card or wire transfer. If you pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, it is extremely difficult—often impossible—to get your money back. Scammers almost always push for these payment methods because they are irreversible.

What readers can do

Here are concrete, practical steps to reduce your risk:

  • Check the website carefully. Look for HTTPS in the address bar and a padlock icon. But note that even scam sites can have these now, so also examine the domain name. Legitimate domains usually match the store name exactly (e.g., bestbuy.com, not bestbuy-discounts.net). If you are unsure, Google the store name plus “scam” to see past complaints.

  • Research the seller before buying. Read reviews from multiple sources, not just the seller’s own site. Look for independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. If there are almost no reviews or all reviews are overly positive and vague, be cautious.

  • Be skeptical of deals that seem impossibly low. A 90% discount on a popular electronic item is almost certainly a scam. Scammers use urgency—“limited stock” or “flash sale”—to push you into acting without thinking.

  • Use a credit card for online purchases. Under U.S. law, you can dispute charges for goods not received or services not provided. Debit cards have weaker protections, and wire transfers or gift cards offer none.

  • Watch out for phishing emails and fake shipping notices. Scammers send emails that appear from Amazon, FedEx, or USPS saying you need to click a link to track a package or resolve a delivery issue. If you did not order anything, do not click. Hover over links to see the real destination before clicking.

  • Do not pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate online stores do not ask for these. If a seller insists on them, stop communication.

  • Update your software and devices. Keep your browser, operating system, and antivirus software current. This helps block known malicious sites and prevents malware from stealing your information.

If you think you have been scammed:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. They can freeze your account, reverse charges, and issue a new card.
  2. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  3. Report it to your local police department, especially if you lost a significant amount or your identity was stolen.
  4. If you are a veteran, you can also report scams involving VA benefits to the VA Office of Inspector General at va.gov/oig or call 1-800-488-8244.

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.
  • VA News, “Online safety measures for the Veteran community,” December 18, 2024.
  • VA News, “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season,” December 1, 2023.
  • VA News, “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters,” January 30, 2025.

Staying safe while shopping online does not require paranoia—just a little caution and awareness. If something feels off, trust your instincts and take a few extra minutes to verify. It is almost always worth it.