How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before You Lose Money

Every shopping season brings deals, but it also brings scammers. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report recorded billions of dollars lost to online shopping fraud, and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to warn consumers about new tactics. Whether you’re buying gifts, household items, or electronics, it pays to know what to look for. Here’s a plain‑language guide to recognizing common scams and protecting your money.

What’s happening

Scammers have become more sophisticated. They create websites that look like legitimate stores, send emails that appear to come from well‑known retailers, and post too‑good‑to‑be‑true deals on social media. The VA News article from January 2026 specifically warns about fake sites impersonating official government portals and well‑known brands. Meanwhile, the FBI reports that phishing and non‑delivery scams remain the top complaints from online shoppers.

Common tactics include:

  • Fake websites – The address might be off by one letter (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
  • Phishing emails – Messages urging you to click a link to “verify your account” or “claim a prize.”
  • Social media ads – Deeply discounted products leading to fraudulent checkout pages.
  • Fake reviews – Hundreds of glowing reviews that were bought or generated by bots.
  • Advance‑fee scams – “You won a coupon, but you must pay a small fee to receive it.”

These schemes evolve quickly, so warning from agencies like the FTC (updated December 2025) and VA are valuable reminders to stay alert.

Why it matters

Online shopping scams do more than cost you the price of an item. Once a scammer has your credit card number, bank account details, or personal information, they can run up charges, open accounts in your name, or sell your data to other criminals. Older adults and less tech‑savvy shoppers are often targeted because they may be less familiar with the warning signs.

The financial toll is real. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, losses from online shopping scams exceeded $3 billion that year alone – and that’s only what was reported. Many victims feel embarrassed or don’t know where to report. But reporting matters: it helps authorities track patterns and shut down fraud rings.

What you can do

Taking a few simple precautions can stop most scams before they start.

Before you buy

  • Check the website’s URL carefully. Look for “https://” and a padlock icon, but know that scammers can get those too. A better test is to search for independent reviews of the site.
  • Verify the retailer. If you’re on an unfamiliar site, look for a physical address and a working phone number. Call if you’re unsure.
  • Be skeptical of deals that are far below typical prices. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Search for the company name plus “scam” or “complaint” to see if others have reported problems.

How to pay

  • Use a credit card or a payment service like PayPal. Both offer fraud protection that can reverse charges.
  • Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses do not ask for these.
  • Avoid saving your card details on unknown sites.

After you purchase

  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
  • Turn on purchase alerts from your bank or card issuer.
  • Use a strong, unique password for each shopping account, and enable two‑factor authentication whenever possible.

If you are scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card company right away to dispute the charge.
  • Change passwords for any accounts that may be compromised.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).

Sources

  • “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” – VA News, January 28, 2026
  • “FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report” – FBI.gov, May 2025
  • “Spot Health Insurance Scams” – FTC Consumer Advice, December 2025
  • “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” – VA News, November 2024

Governments agencies and consumer protection groups regularly update their advice. As VA News reminds us, watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping by staying aware, paying with secure methods, and trusting your gut. A few minutes of caution can save you far more than a bargain.