Online Shopping Scams Are Everywhere: How to Spot and Avoid Them

In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a straightforward reminder: scammers are actively targeting online shoppers, and the risks don’t disappear after the holidays. The VA News alert, titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” highlights a reality that applies to everyone, not just veterans. Fraudsters continuously refine their tactics, and even cautious buyers can get caught off guard.

What’s happening

The VA’s warning is part of an ongoing series of consumer protection messages. Similar articles from December 2024 and early 2025 cover holiday shopping risks, protecting benefits data, and general online safety measures. The government agency is not alone—other consumer protection groups and law enforcement regularly issue alerts about phishing emails, fake retailer sites, and social media marketplace scams.

While the VA alert focuses on its own community, the underlying scam patterns are universal. A recent surge in fraud has been reported by the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau, with losses in the billions annually. Common schemes include:

  • Phishing emails that appear to come from known retailers or shipping companies, asking you to click a link to confirm an order or update payment details.
  • Fake websites that mimic legitimate stores, often advertised through social media or search ads.
  • Too-good-to-be-true deals on high-demand items like electronics, concert tickets, or luxury goods.
  • Payment app tricks where scammers ask for payment via Zelle, CashApp, or gift cards—methods with little to no buyer protection.

Why it matters

The consequences of falling for an online shopping scam go beyond losing money. Scammers often capture personal information—your name, address, credit card number, even your Social Security number if you fill out a fake form. That data can be used for identity theft, opening new accounts in your name, or sold on the dark web.

Even if you’re careful, a single lapse—clicking a link during a busy shopping season, or entering payment details on a look-alike site—can lead to weeks of clean-up: disputing charges, freezing credit, and changing passwords. The emotional toll is real, too. Many victims feel embarrassed or angry, which is exactly why scammers rely on speed and pressure to keep you from thinking twice.

The VA’s January 2026 alert underscores that this is not a seasonal problem. Scams persist year-round, with new variations appearing as soon as old ones are widely recognized.

What readers can do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to shop safely. Here are concrete steps, based on guidance from the VA, the FTC, and security professionals:

1. Verify the seller before you buy. If you’re on a site you don’t know, search for reviews and complaints. Check for a physical address and a working phone number. Look up the domain on a site like Whois to see when it was registered—very new domains are a red flag.

2. Watch for payment red flags. Legitimate businesses accept credit cards or PayPal, which offer dispute rights. If a seller insists on wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, stop. Those methods are nearly impossible to trace or reverse.

3. Inspect URLs and emails carefully. Phishing emails often have slight misspellings or odd sender addresses. Hover over links before clicking to see the real destination. If an email from “Amazon” asks you to verify your account by clicking a link, go directly to amazon.com instead.

4. Use strong, unique passwords. Enable two-factor authentication on your email and shopping accounts. A password manager makes this easier.

5. Keep software updated. On your phone and computer, install updates for browsers, apps, and operating systems. Scammers exploit known vulnerabilities that patches fix.

6. If you think you’ve been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to freeze the card and dispute charges. Change the password on the affected account. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local law enforcement. For veterans, the VA also provides a fraud hotline at 1-833-38VET-2 (1-833-388-3829).

Staying safe is a habit

Scams evolve, but the principles stay the same: slow down, verify, and never feel pressured. The VA’s message is a good reminder to check your own habits. A few extra seconds of caution can save you hours of headache. Shop smart, and always watch out for deals that feel too perfect—because they usually are.

Sources

  • VA News, “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” January 28, 2026.
  • VA News, “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online,” November 28, 2024.
  • VA News, “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters,” January 30, 2025.
  • VA News, “Shopping for the real deal,” December 10, 2024.
  • Federal Trade Commission, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.