How to Spot Online Shopping Scams Before They Cost You

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us. A few clicks and a package is on its way. But the convenience also attracts scammers. According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans lost billions of dollars last year to online shopping fraud alone. The numbers are staggering, and the threat doesn’t discriminate—veterans, military families, and everyday consumers are all targets.

Government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Trade Commission, and the FBI, regularly issue warnings about these scams. Knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

What’s Happening

Recent alerts from the VA remind shoppers to stay cautious year-round, especially during high-traffic periods like holidays. Scammers adapt quickly. Common schemes include fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, phishing texts that claim your Amazon account has been compromised, and social media ads offering steep discounts on popular products.

For example, the FTC has warned about text messages that read: “Your Amazon account has been charged $499.99 for an iPhone. If not you, call this number.” The number leads to a scammer who asks for remote access to your device or for payment details to “reverse” the charge. Another tactic: counterfeit websites that look nearly identical to real stores, using misspelled URLs or .shop domains.

The FBI’s annual report notes that confidence fraud and non-delivery scams are among the fastest-growing categories. Victims often never receive the item they ordered, or they receive a low-quality knockoff.

Why It Matters

Beyond losing money, victims risk handing over personal and financial information that can be used for identity theft. For veterans and military families, these scams can compromise sensitive data related to benefits or healthcare. The VA has noted an uptick in scams targeting those who use VA benefits, with fraudsters posing as VA representatives or offering fake discounts on medical supplies.

The consequences can linger. Even a small scam can lead to months of dealing with chargebacks, credit monitoring, or frozen accounts. The emotional toll—feeling foolish or violated—often goes unmentioned but is real.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. Here are concrete steps, mostly drawn from official guidance.

Red flags to watch for

  • Too-good-to-be-true prices. A 90% discount on a recent release is almost always a scam.
  • Suspicious URLs. Check for typos, extra words, or unfamiliar top-level domains like .xyz or .top.
  • Pressure to act fast. “Limited stock” or “offer expires in 15 minutes” is a common trick.
  • Requests for unusual payment. Scammers often ask for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods that are hard to reverse.
  • Unsolicited messages. If you get a text or email about a purchase you didn’t make, do not click the link or call the number.

How to verify a seller or website

  • Look up the company name plus “scam” or “complaint” to see if others have reported issues.
  • Check the site’s contact page. A legitimate business has a physical address and customer service number.
  • Use payment methods with fraud protection, such as credit cards. Avoid debit cards or direct bank transfers.
  • Read reviews, but be cautious—fake five-star reviews are common. Use third-party review sites.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

  1. Stop communication with the scammer. Do not send more money or personal info.
  2. Change your passwords for the affected account and any other account that uses the same password.
  3. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge and block further transactions.
  4. Report the scam to the proper authorities:
    • FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
    • FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov
    • VA if the scam involves VA benefits or impersonates a VA official. You can report through the VA Office of Inspector General at va.gov/oig.
  5. Monitor your accounts for unusual activity for several months.

Sources

  • VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 2026)
  • Federal Trade Commission: “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam” (March 2024)
  • FBI: 2024 Internet Crime Report (May 2025)
  • VA News: “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (November 2024)

Staying Vigilant Without Fear

You don’t have to avoid online shopping altogether. A healthy dose of skepticism and a few simple checks are usually enough. If something feels off, trust that feeling. Scammers rely on speed and urgency—taking a moment to pause and verify is your best defense.

Share this advice with friends and family, especially those who may be less comfortable online. The more people know the signs, the harder it is for scammers to succeed.