How to spot online shopping scams and stay safe while buying online

Online shopping has become so routine that it’s easy to forget bad actors are working just as hard as legitimate retailers. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has issued several alerts in recent months warning about scams that target online shoppers, especially around the holidays. The advice is not just for veterans—anyone who buys things online can benefit from knowing how these scams work and what to do about them.

What happened

Between late 2024 and early 2026, the VA News website published multiple articles about online shopping fraud. One piece, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” specifically warns about fake websites, phishing emails, and too-good-to-be-true deals. Other articles cover holiday shopping risks, protecting benefits data, and how scammers try to steal personal information. The common thread is that scammers are constantly adapting, and consumers need to stay alert.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams are not rare. They increase during sales events—Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the weeks leading up to Christmas—but they happen year-round. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing billions of dollars to online shopping fraud in recent years. The damage isn’t just financial; it can include identity theft, compromised bank accounts, and stolen personal data. Veterans and military families are frequently targeted because scammers know they may have steady benefits and a tendency to trust official-looking communications.

What readers can do

Here are concrete actions you can take to reduce your risk and respond if something goes wrong.

Recognize common scam tactics

  • Fake websites. A site might look like a real retailer but have a slightly misspelled URL (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). The design may be poor, with blurry logos or broken links.
  • Phishing emails and texts. Scammers send messages that appear to be from a store, delivery service, or payment processor. They often pressure you to click a link to “confirm your order” or “track a package.” The link leads to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals. An item that is normally $200 being sold for $20 is a red flag. Scammers use low prices to lure buyers and then either take the money without shipping anything or send counterfeit goods.
  • Unusual payment requests. Legitimate sellers accept credit cards, PayPal, or other mainstream payment methods. Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency are almost always scams.

Red flags to watch for

  • The website’s URL begins with “http” instead of “https.” (Check for the padlock icon, but note that a padlock alone doesn’t guarantee a site is legitimate.)
  • The site has no contact information, or only a generic email address.
  • Product descriptions are copied from other sites or contain bizarre grammar and spelling errors.
  • The seller insists that you pay outside of the platform if you’re using a marketplace like eBay or Etsy.

How to protect yourself

  1. Use a credit card. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If a scammer gets your credit card number, you can dispute the charge. With a debit card, the money is taken directly from your bank account, and recovering it is harder.
  2. Vet the seller. Before buying from an unfamiliar website, search for reviews. Look for complaints about non-delivery or counterfeit goods. Check the Better Business Bureau and the site’s social media presence.
  3. Verify shipping and return policies. Legitimate businesses have clear, fair policies. If a site has no returns or an absurdly short window, be cautious.
  4. Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases. Public networks are easy for attackers to intercept. Use your mobile data or a VPN if you must shop on the go.
  5. Keep your devices and software updated. This includes your browser, operating system, and antivirus software. Updates patch vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.

Steps to take if you’ve been scammed

Act quickly:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer. Report the unauthorized transaction immediately. They can freeze your account, issue a new card, and start a chargeback.
  • Change your passwords. If you entered login credentials on a fake site, change the password for that account and any other accounts that use the same password.
  • Report the scam. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you are a veteran, also inform the VA’s fraud hotline. You can also report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
  • Place a fraud alert or credit freeze. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to put a fraud alert on your credit file. A credit freeze is stronger and prevents new accounts from being opened in your name.
  • Monitor your accounts. Watch your bank and credit card statements for the next few months. Look for small test charges—scammers sometimes run tiny amounts to see if the account is still active.

Sources

  • VA News. “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” January 28, 2026.
  • VA News. “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online.” November 28, 2024.
  • VA News. “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters.” January 30, 2025.
  • VA News. “How the Grinch can steal your data.” October 29, 2024.
  • Federal Trade Commission. ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

The core advice from these sources is consistent: be skeptical, use secure payment methods, and act fast if something seems off. No one is immune, but a little caution goes a long way.