Title: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams and Stay Safe While Buying Online

What’s behind the rise in online shopping scams

Online shopping scams have become more common and more convincing. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs recently issued warnings about new tactics—such as fake websites mimicking official portals like ID.me or the Claim Assist Portal, and phishing messages that use QR codes to steal payment information. Scammers are targeting veterans, older adults, and anyone who regularly buys goods or services online.

The goal is always the same: trick you into handing over money, credit card details, or enough personal information to commit identity theft. The good news is that most scams follow a pattern, and learning to spot that pattern can keep you safe.

Common scams targeting shoppers now

What’s new in 2026? According to a VA News article and coverage from Fox News, scammers are using:

  • Fake QR codes in text messages. A recent scam impersonated traffic violation notices, asking victims to scan a QR code to pay a fine. The QR code leads to a fraudulent payment page that captures your card info.
  • Impersonation of official portals. Scammers set up fake login pages for ID.me or the VA’s Claim Assist Portal to steal credentials. These look nearly identical to the real sites.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals on social media. Advertisements for heavily discounted electronics or designer goods often lead to fake storefronts that take your money and never ship anything.
  • Phishing emails that appear to be from a trusted retailer. These emails may claim there’s a problem with your order and ask you to click a link to “confirm” your payment details.

These aren’t the only types, but they represent the most current threats reported by government sources.

How to spot a scam before you click

No single red flag guarantees a scam, but several together should raise your guard.

  • Check the URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that differ by one letter (e.g., “amaz0n.com” or “id-me.login.com”). If the domain looks odd or ends in a strange extension (like .shop or .buzz when the real site uses .gov or .com), be suspicious.
  • Look for broken English or poor design. Legitimate companies invest in their websites and communications. Multiple typos, blurry images, or inconsistent formatting are warning signs.
  • Beware of urgency. Messages that say “your account will be closed” or “pay this fine immediately” are designed to make you act without thinking.
  • Check the payment method. Scammers often ask for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse.
  • Verify the sender. If you get a text or email about an order you didn’t place, don’t click anything. Go directly to the retailer’s official website (type the URL yourself) and check your account.

The VA advises that official government services will never ask you to pay a fee using gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Practical steps to protect yourself

  1. Use a credit card, not a debit card. Credit cards offer better fraud protection. If a scammer charges your debit card, the money leaves your bank account immediately and can take weeks to recover.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your email and shopping accounts. This adds a second layer of security even if your password is stolen.
  3. Research the seller. Before buying from a new online store, search for “[store name] scam” or “[store name] reviews.” Look for complaints on the Better Business Bureau or sites like Trustpilot.
  4. Keep your devices updated. Outdated software can have security holes that scammers exploit. Enable automatic updates when possible.
  5. Be cautious with QR codes. Don’t scan a code you receive in an unsolicited message. If you’re curious, type the URL it points to manually (but be skeptical).

What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

Act quickly. Time matters.

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. They can stop the payment and issue a chargeback.
  • Change the passwords on the accounts you used (and any accounts that share the same password).
  • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report helps them track new scams.
  • If you gave personal information, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
  • If you fell for a fake government portal scam (like one impersonating the VA or Social Security Administration), report it to the agency’s fraud hotline as well.

Don’t feel embarrassed. Scams are designed to fool smart people. The important thing is to act and warn others.

Stay vigilant, shop safely

Online shopping is convenient, but it pays to slow down. Check the source, question the deal, and protect your payment method. When something feels off, trust that instinct. A few extra seconds of verification can save you hours of frustration and financial loss.

Sources: VA News and Information (gov), Fox News (fake QR code scam), FTC (fraud reporting), SSA (scam warnings).