Online Shopping Scams Are on the Rise — Here’s How to Stay Safe

Shopping online is convenient, but it also opens the door to scammers. In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published a reminder for veterans and their families to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. Around the same time, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation warned about fraudsters posing as banks. These government alerts underscore a simple reality: online shopping scams are becoming more common and more sophisticated.

Whether you’re buying gifts, everyday supplies, or big-ticket items, a few basic precautions can help you avoid losing money or your personal information.

What’s Happening

Government agencies have issued multiple warnings in recent months. The VA News article from January 28, 2026, highlights scams that target online shoppers, including fake websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit goods. An earlier VA post from November 2024 covered holiday shopping risks specifically, and another from December 2024 offered online safety measures for veterans. Separately, the FDIC published a piece in August 2024 about scammers who impersonate banks to steal login credentials or payment details.

These aren’t isolated incidents. Scammers adapt their tactics to current events, seasonal shopping spikes, and even government benefit cycles. Veterans and their families are often targeted because they may receive VA benefits or have access to military-related discounts—but the advice applies to anyone who buys online.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams can cost you money, damage your credit, and expose you to identity theft. Unlike a brick‑and‑mortar store, a fraudulent website can disappear overnight, leaving you with no product and no way to get your money back. Scammers also use phishing emails that look like they come from well‑known retailers or shipping companies, tricking you into clicking malicious links or sharing your password.

The financial impact can be severe, but the emotional toll matters too. Many victims feel embarrassed or hesitate to report fraud, which only helps scammers continue their operations.

What You Can Do

Here are concrete steps to protect yourself, drawn from the government sources cited above and common best practices.

Spot the Red Flags

  • Prices that seem too low — If a deal is drastically below market price, it’s likely a lure.
  • Payment requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency — Legitimate sellers accept credit cards or trusted payment services.
  • Poor website design or odd URLs — Misspellings in the domain name (e.g., amaz0n.com) or missing contact information are warning signs.
  • Urgency — Messages that pressure you to “act now” or “verify your account immediately” are often phishing attempts.

Verify Before You Buy

  • Check that the website uses https:// and a padlock icon in the address bar. This is not a guarantee of safety, but it’s a basic step.
  • Look up the seller’s reputation. Search for reviews on independent sites, and check with the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for complaints.
  • If buying from a marketplace (like eBay or Etsy), read seller ratings carefully. Be wary of sellers with no history or many recent negative reviews.
  • When possible, order directly from the manufacturer or a well‑known retailer rather than a third‑party site you’ve never heard of.

Use Safe Payment Methods

  • Credit cards offer the strongest purchase protection. You can dispute charges if the item never arrives or is not as described.
  • PayPal and other buyer‑protection services can also help, but read the terms carefully.
  • Avoid using debit cards for online purchases—they don’t have the same protections, and a fraudulent charge can empty your bank account immediately.
  • Never send money via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. No legitimate seller will ask for these.

After the Purchase

  • Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly. Set up transaction alerts to catch unauthorized charges quickly.
  • Save order confirmations and receipts. If something goes wrong, you’ll need them to file a dispute.
  • Consider using a virtual credit card number or a payment app that generates one‑time card numbers for extra security.

If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

Act quickly:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud and request a stop on payments.
  2. Freeze your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
  3. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Also file a report with your local police, especially if you lost money.
  4. Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Use strong, unique passwords for each site.
  5. If you’re a veteran, also notify the VA’s fraud hotline (1‑800‑827‑1000) if your benefits accounts were affected.

Stay Informed

Government agencies continue to publish updated warnings. The VA News article “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” is a good starting point, as are the FDIC’s alerts on fake banks. Bookmark these sources and share the advice with family members who may be less experienced online shoppers.

The goal isn’t to fear online shopping—it’s to shop with your eyes open. A few minutes of caution before you click “buy” can save you weeks of headache later.

Sources

  • VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan 28, 2026)
  • VA News: “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov 28, 2024)
  • VA News: “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec 12, 2024)
  • VA News: “Online safety measures for the Veteran community” (Dec 18, 2024)
  • FDIC: “Scammers and Fake Banks” (Aug 13, 2024)
  • FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov