How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA and FTC

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us, but it also comes with risks. Scammers are constantly refining their tactics, and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the FBI regularly update their warnings. Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or just someone trying to buy a gift online, knowing how to recognize a scam can save you money and frustration.

What’s happening

In January 2026, VA News published a reminder for shoppers to watch out for scams while shopping online. It’s part of a broader pattern: the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report (released in 2025) shows that online shopping fraud remains a significant category of complaints. The FTC has also been warning about impersonation scams, including fake calls or texts claiming to be from Amazon about a suspicious purchase. These scams are not limited to any one retailer or platform.

Scammers often set up fake websites that look like legitimate stores, advertise too-good-to-be-true deals on social media, or send phishing emails and texts that appear to come from trusted companies. For military communities, the MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) has noted that scammers may target veterans using official-sounding language or posing as VA representatives.

Why it matters

The consequences of falling for an online shopping scam go beyond losing money on a single purchase. Scammers can harvest your credit card details, home address, and other personal information, which can then be used for identity theft. The emotional toll is real too—especially for older adults or those who may be less familiar with how these schemes work.

Veterans and military families are sometimes specifically targeted because they may have steady benefits or pensions, and because they are used to trusting official communications from the VA. The VA News article explicitly warns that scammers may try to trick veterans into revealing sensitive information by pretending to be from the VA or another government agency.

What readers can do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. The following steps are drawn from VA, FTC, and FBI guidance, and they’re straightforward enough to use every time you shop online.

Research the seller before you buy. If you find a product through a social media ad or a search engine, check the website carefully. Look for contact information, a physical address, and customer reviews from independent sources. Be skeptical of sites that have poor spelling or design, or that lack a privacy policy.

Watch for unrealistic deals. If the price is significantly lower than what you see elsewhere, stop and think. Scammers often lure shoppers with discounts that seem impossible—because they are.

Question any request for unusual payment methods. Legitimate businesses do not ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Use a credit card or a secure payment service like PayPal. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

Be suspicious of unsolicited calls or texts about purchases. The FTC warns that scammers call or text claiming there’s a problem with an Amazon order or that your account has been charged for something you didn’t buy. They ask you to verify details or to send money. Hang up and contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is real.

Enable purchase alerts and keep software updated. Most banks and credit card issuers allow you to set up notifications for transactions above a certain amount. Keep your phone, computer, and browser up to date to protect against malware that scammers might try to install.

What to do if you get scammed. If you think you’ve given money or personal information to a scammer, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and freeze the card. Change the password on any compromised accounts. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov. Veterans who believe the scam involved someone impersonating the VA can also report it to the VA’s Office of Inspector General.

Resources

  • VA News article (January 2026): “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping”
  • FTC Consumer Advice (March 2024): “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam”
  • FBI Internet Crime Report (2024, released 2025)
  • MOAA article (July 2025): “Military Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Community”

No single tip will make you completely immune, but combining these habits will put you ahead of most scammers. If a deal or a message feels off, trust that feeling and step back. A few extra minutes of caution can save you weeks of headaches.