How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Protect Yourself

Online shopping has made it easier than ever to buy almost anything from a phone or laptop. But the same convenience that lets you order a gift in seconds also gives scammers a direct line to your wallet. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Americans lost more than $10 billion to internet crime in 2022, and shopping scams remain one of the most frequently reported categories.

The VA News (.gov) recently published guidance on how to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. While the advice is aimed at veterans and military families, it applies to anyone who shops online — especially during peak sales seasons when fraudulent activity spikes.

What Happened

In late January 2026, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released a warning about common online shopping scams. The article, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” describes several tactics criminals use to trick shoppers: fake websites that mimic legitimate stores, phishing emails that claim your payment didn’t go through, too-good-to-be-true deals on social media, and gift card payment demands.

The VA’s warning is part of a broader trend. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report (published May 2025) noted that non-payment/non-delivery scams — a category that covers most shopping fraud — accounted for over $300 million in losses. Scammers constantly adjust their methods, but many patterns remain consistent.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams don’t just cost you money. They can also expose your personal and financial information, leading to identity theft. Veterans may be targeted specifically because scammers know they receive benefits or have access to VA services. But anyone with a credit card and an email address is vulnerable.

The VA’s reminder is especially timely because scams tend to surge around major shopping events — Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day, and even back-to-school season. However, fraud isn’t limited to holidays; it happens year-round. Understanding the red flags can save you time, money, and stress.

What Readers Can Do

Here are practical steps based on the VA’s advice and general cybersecurity best practices. These won’t guarantee 100% safety, but they will significantly reduce your risk.

1. Verify the website before you buy

  • Check the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look like a real store but with a small difference (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
  • Look for “https://” and a padlock icon in the address bar. This means the site encrypts your data, though it doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.
  • Search for reviews or complaints about the seller. Use sites like the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission’s complaint database.

2. Be skeptical of unsolicited emails and ads

  • If you receive an email about an order you didn’t place, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website and check your account.
  • Social media ads offering steep discounts on brand-name goods are often scams. If the price seems too low to be true, it probably is.
  • Scammers frequently create fake “order confirmation” or “account suspension” emails to get you to enter your login credentials.

3. Pay with a credit card or secure payment service

  • Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards or bank transfers. Many cards have zero-liability policies.
  • Consider using PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay when available. These services add a layer of separation between your bank account and the merchant.
  • Avoid paying by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are nearly impossible to reverse and are a favorite of scammers.

4. Enable purchase alerts on your accounts

  • Set up text or email notifications for any transaction over a certain amount. This way you’ll know immediately if someone uses your card.
  • Review your bank and credit card statements regularly — at least once a month. Look for small, unknown charges that could be a test before a larger theft.

5. Know what to do if you think you’ve been scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer right away. Report the charge as fraudulent and request a stop payment or chargeback.
  • Change the passwords on any accounts that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each site.
  • File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov. For VA-related scams, report to the VA’s Office of Inspector General.
  • Keep records of all communications — emails, screenshots, receipts — in case you need them for an investigation.

Sources

  • VA News (.gov). “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” January 28, 2026.
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. “2024 Internet Crime Report.” May 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission. Consumer Advice: How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams.

Online shopping doesn’t have to be risky. A few seconds of caution before clicking “buy” can keep your money and data where they belong — with you, not with a scammer.