How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Official Tips from Government Agencies

Online shopping scams are not new, but they keep evolving. Fake websites, phishing emails, and bogus banks appear regularly, targeting anyone who shops or manages money online. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) have published recent guidance to help consumers recognize these threats and protect themselves. Below is a practical summary of what they advise, drawn directly from official sources.

What Happened: Government Agencies Issue Fresh Alerts

In January 2026, VA News released an article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” outlining common tricks scammers use to steal personal information and money from shoppers. The FDIC, in August 2024, warned about the rise of “fake banks” — websites and apps that impersonate legitimate financial institutions to collect deposits or login credentials. Other VA articles from late 2024 and early 2025 reinforce similar themes: scammers often target veterans and retirees, but the risks apply to all online shoppers.

These advisories are not one-off notices. They reflect a continuing pattern: as soon as consumers learn to spot one scam, fraudsters adjust their tactics. The advice is updated accordingly.

Why It Matters

The financial impact of online shopping scams can be severe. Victims can lose money directly, have their identity stolen, or fall for an impostor bank that appears FDIC-insured but isn’t. Veterans are a frequent target because scammers assume they have steady benefits and may be less familiar with newer fraud methods. For anyone shopping online, a single mistake — clicking a fake link, entering a password on a look-alike site, or paying a too-good-to-be-true price — can lead to weeks of hassle and financial loss.

But you don’t need to be an expert to stay safe. The official advice is straightforward.

What Readers Can Do: Practical Steps from VA and FDIC

1. Check for fake websites before you buy.
Scammers design sites that closely mimic well-known retailers. According to VA News, look for subtle misspellings in the URL, poor grammar, or prices that are dramatically lower than elsewhere. If a deal seems unrealistically good, assume it is. Before entering payment details, verify the site’s security: the URL should start with “https” and show a padlock icon. But note that even secure connections can be used by scammers — the padlock only confirms encryption, not legitimacy.

2. Verify that a bank is real before depositing money.
The FDIC explains that fake banks often use names and logos similar to real institutions. They may claim to be insured by the FDIC when they are not. To check, use the FDIC’s BankFind tool on its official website. If the bank isn’t listed, do not send money or provide personal information. The FDIC also notes that scammers might create mobile apps that look exactly like a real bank’s app — always download apps from official app stores after confirming the developer.

3. Be cautious with emails and texts.
Phishing messages are a common entry point. They may appear to come from a well-known retailer, a bank, or even the VA. VA News warns that official agencies rarely ask for sensitive information (like Social Security numbers or passwords) by email or text. If you receive an unexpected message urging immediate action, do not click links or download attachments. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself.

4. Protect your personal and financial information.
When shopping online, use a credit card rather than a debit card — credit cards typically offer better fraud protection. Avoid saving payment details on websites you don’t trust. Enable two-factor authentication on your email and financial accounts if available. For veterans, VA News specifically advises keeping benefit information private and not sharing your VA login credentials with anyone.

5. Know where to report suspicious activity.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If the scam involved a fake bank, also notify the FDIC. Veterans who believe their benefits have been compromised can contact the VA’s fraud hotline. Quick reporting can help limit damage and may prevent others from being targeted.

Sources

  • VA News, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan. 28, 2026)
  • FDIC, “Scammers and Fake Banks” (Aug. 13, 2024)
  • VA News, “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec. 10, 2024)
  • VA News, “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov. 28, 2024)
  • VA News, “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (Dec. 1, 2023)
  • VA News, “Online safety measures for the Veteran community” (Dec. 18, 2024)

Staying safe while shopping online doesn’t require advanced tech skills — just a habit of checking before you click, and relying on official sources for the latest warnings. The advice from government agencies is updated regularly, so check their websites before making major purchases or transferring money.