Online Shopping Scams Are on the Rise: How to Spot and Stop Them

If you shop online regularly, you’ve probably noticed more emails, texts, and social media ads pushing deals that seem almost too good to pass up. Unfortunately, many of those are scams designed to steal your money or personal information. Government agencies have been issuing warnings about these threats for years, and the alerts keep coming. In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published an article specifically telling people to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. It’s a reminder that everyone—especially those who use VA benefits or other government services—needs to stay cautious.

What’s Happening

Online shopping scams come in many forms, but a few patterns show up again and again. Scammers create fake store websites that look like legitimate retailers, often copying logos and layouts. They send phishing emails that appear to be from Amazon, Walmart, or the USPS, claiming there’s a problem with a delivery or a limited-time discount. Social media ads push counterfeit goods or nonexistent products at rock-bottom prices. Another common trick is the advance‑fee scam: you pay for an item, but it never arrives, and the seller disappears.

Government sources have documented these threats repeatedly. The Iowa Department of Transportation warned in April 2025 about text‑message phishing scams that try to trick people into clicking links about toll payments or vehicle registration. The VA itself has published multiple alerts about scammers impersonating VA representatives to steal personal data. And in May 2026, Ohio’s Department of Job and Family Services began automatically blocking high‑risk transactions on SNAP cards—a response to rising fraud where thieves steal benefit numbers. Even identity‑verification services like ID.me, used by the VA and other agencies to confirm who you are, have been targeted. A Fox News article in May 2026 explained the risks and how to use ID.me safely.

Why It Matters

Falling for an online shopping scam can cost you money, but it can also lead to identity theft, compromised accounts, and long‑term headaches. For veterans and others who rely on VA benefits, a scammer who gets access to your VA.gov account or ID.me credentials could redirect payments or file fraudulent claims. Even if you don’t lose cash, your credit card or bank details could be used for unauthorized purchases. And once your information is out there, it may be sold on the dark web.

These scams are also evolving. Phishing messages now look more convincing than ever, using official logos and spoofed sender addresses. Fake websites are built with professional templates and may even include HTTPS and “secure” badges. The old red flags—misspellings, broken English, blurry images—are becoming less reliable. That’s why it’s important to adopt consistent safeguards.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here are practical steps you can take, based on advice from the VA, FTC, and other consumer protection agencies.

Before you buy:

  • Check the website’s URL carefully. Scammers often use addresses that are close to the real one, like “amaz0n- deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.”
  • Look for a physical address and customer service phone number. If they only accept email or a contact form, be skeptical.
  • Read reviews, but be aware that fake reviews are common. Use sites like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau, and check for complaints about non‑delivery.
  • Pay with a credit card when possible. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards, bank transfers, or payment apps. Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—those are nearly impossible to recover.
  • For government services, use only official .gov websites. The VA will never ask you to pay a fee or provide sensitive information through a text message or pop‑up ad.

If you receive an unsolicited message:

  • Don’t click links or download attachments. Go directly to the retailer’s or agency’s website by typing the address into your browser.
  • Verify the message by calling the official customer service number. Do not use any phone number provided in the suspicious email or text.
  • Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts, especially your email, banking, and VA.gov login. This adds a second layer of security even if your password is stolen.

If you think you’ve been scammed:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute the charge and freeze the card.
  • Change your passwords for the compromised account and any other accounts that use the same password.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC shares data with law enforcement and can help spot emerging schemes.
  • If the scam involved a government benefits account (VA, SNAP, etc.), notify the relevant agency as soon as possible. The VA has a dedicated fraud reporting line: 1‑800‑827‑1000 (or visit va.gov/fraud).
  • Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). That makes it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

Sources

  • “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” VA News, January 28, 2026.
  • “Iowa DOT warns consumers of text phishing scam,” Iowa Department of Transportation, April 3, 2025.
  • “Is ID.me safe to use? What you need to know,” Fox News, May 12, 2026.
  • “High Risk Transactions to Be Automatically Blocked on All SNAP Cards,” Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, May 12, 2026.
  • “Shopping for the real deal,” VA News, December 10, 2024.
  • Federal Trade Commission, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.