How to Spot Online Shopping Scams (and What to Do If You Get Tricked)

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. But the convenience also attracts scammers looking to steal payment details, personal information, or even your entire purchase. Government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regularly issue reminders that these threats are not going away. The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns, and knowing what to look for can keep your money and data safe.

What Happened

In recent years, VA News has published multiple articles warning veterans and the general public about the rise of online shopping scams. For example, a January 2026 piece titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” highlighted that scammers often impersonate legitimate retailers, create fake websites, or send phishing emails that look like order confirmations or shipping notifications. Similar alerts from the FDIC (August 2024) describe “scammers and fake banks” that trick consumers into sending money for goods that never arrive.

The scams aren’t limited to the holidays, though seasonal spikes are common. According to VA News reports from December 2024 and November 2024, the methods evolve but the core tactics remain the same: pressure to act fast, deals that seem too good to be true, and requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

Why It Matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can cost you more than just the item you thought you were buying. Scammers often harvest credit card numbers, home addresses, and even passwords. In worst-case scenarios, they may use that information to commit identity theft or drain bank accounts. Moreover, once money is sent via wire transfer or gift card, it is extremely difficult – often impossible – to recover. The FDIC notes that fake bank schemes can also lead to fraudulent loans opened in your name.

The scale of the problem is substantial. While exact figures fluctuate, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regularly reports billions of dollars lost to fraud annually, with online shopping scams among the top categories. This is not a rare occurrence; it is a persistent risk that all consumers face.

What Readers Can Do

Here are practical steps you can take to reduce your chances of being scammed, drawn from government guidance and standard security practices.

1. Verify the seller before you buy.
If you’re on a site you’ve never used before, do a quick search for “[store name] + scam” or “[store name] + review.” Legitimate online stores will have a track record. Look for secure connections (the URL should start with “https://” and show a padlock icon). Beware of misspellings, poor grammar, or low-quality images on the site – these are common signs of a fake.

2. Be skeptical of deals that seem unreal.
If a popular item is priced 70% below every other retailer, ask yourself why. Scammers lure shoppers with prices that can’t be matched. Check the official brand website or major retailers to get a realistic price range. A huge discount might be a hook to get your payment information.

3. Use a credit card, not a debit card or wire transfer.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection under federal law. If a fraudulent charge appears, you can dispute it and the card issuer is required to investigate. Debit cards lack the same level of protection, and once the money leaves your account, getting it back is harder. Never pay a stranger by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency – those are nearly untraceable.

4. Watch for phishing emails that look like shipping or order updates.
Scammers often send emails that mimic Amazon, FedEx, PayPal, or other services. They may ask you to “confirm your order” or “update payment information.” Never click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the official website by typing the URL into your browser.

5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on shopping accounts and payment apps.
This extra step makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts even if they steal your password. Most major retailers and banks now offer 2FA via text message or an authenticator app.

6. Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly.
Set a habit of checking transactions at least once a week. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, report it immediately. Early detection can prevent larger losses.

7. Keep your devices and software updated.
Scammers sometimes exploit vulnerabilities in outdated browsers, operating systems, or apps to install malware that captures your keystrokes or redirects you to fake payment pages. Automatic updates are your friend.

If you do get scammed, act quickly.
Contact your bank or credit card company right away to report the fraudulent transaction. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Change passwords for any accounts you used on the scam site. If you gave away personal information like your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit files.

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)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – “Scammers and Fake Banks” (August 13, 2024)
Federal Trade Commission – ReportFraud.ftc.gov