Online Shopping Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them (2026 Guide)

Online shopping has become second nature for most of us, but the convenience also comes with a persistent risk: scams. Criminals are constantly refining their tactics, using fake websites, phishing messages, and fraudulent payment schemes to trick shoppers. A recent alert from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — published January 28, 2026 — warns consumers to watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping. Combined with data from the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, the message is clear: staying informed is the best defense.

What Happened?

On January 28, 2026, VA News issued a consumer alert urging vigilance during online shopping. The advisory highlights that scammers often pose as legitimate retailers, customer support agents, or even government officials to steal personal and financial information. This is not an isolated warning. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, released in May 2025, recorded a significant number of online shopping fraud complaints, with losses continuing to rise. The Federal Trade Commission has also tracked related schemes, such as the “Amazon purchase confirmation” scam, where victims receive fake calls or texts about a suspicious transaction they never made.

The VA’s guidance is part of a broader government effort to equip consumers with the knowledge to detect and avoid these threats before money is lost.

Why It Matters

Online shopping scams affect people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a frequent bargain hunter or an occasional buyer, the tactics used by scammers are becoming harder to spot. Fake websites can look nearly identical to real stores. Phishing emails may appear to come from a trusted brand or even from your own bank. And once a scammer gains access to your payment details, recovering your money can be slow and uncertain.

The financial impact is only part of the problem. Identity theft, compromised accounts, and the stress of dealing with fraud can linger for months. With the FBI reporting that cybercrime losses topped $12 billion in 2024—and online shopping fraud representing a substantial slice—it’s worth taking a few minutes to learn the warning signs.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Here are concrete steps you can take, based on the VA alert and other official guidance.

1. Recognize common scam types

  • Fake websites: These mimic real online stores, often offering steep discounts. The URL may contain a small typo or use a less common domain (.org instead of .com, for example).
  • Phishing emails and texts: Messages claiming that your account has been compromised or that you need to confirm a purchase. The sender may look legitimate, but the link leads to a fake login page.
  • Fake customer support: Scammers set up phone numbers or chat windows that appear to be from a retailer or payment service. They then ask for sensitive information or payment to “resolve” a fake issue.
  • Unusual payment requests: If a seller insists on payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, consider it a major red flag. Legitimate businesses offer secure options like credit cards or payment services with buyer protection.

2. Look for red flags before you click

  • Too-good-to-be-true deals: A 70% discount on a popular item from an unknown seller is almost always a trap.
  • Urgent language: “Act now or lose this price” or “Your account will be suspended” are designed to push you into a decision without thinking.
  • Poor grammar and misspellings: Professional retailers proofread their communications. Errors in an email or on a website can signal a scam.
  • Suspicious URLs: Hover over links before clicking. Check that the domain name matches the business name exactly.

3. Protect yourself while shopping

  • Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards often provide stronger fraud protection than debit cards or other methods.
  • Shop on trusted sites and consider using payment services like PayPal or Apple Pay that offer an additional layer of security.
  • Enable two-factor authentication on your email and shopping accounts. This makes it harder for scammers to access them even if they get your password.
  • Keep your software updated — your browser, antivirus, and operating system. Updates often fix security holes that criminals exploit.

4. If you fall victim, act quickly

  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute unauthorized charges and freeze affected accounts.
  • Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. The VA also recommends reporting to your local police department if personal information was compromised.
  • Change your passwords — especially for the affected account and any other accounts using the same password. Use a unique, strong password for each service.
  • Monitor your credit reports. You can get free weekly reports from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you didn’t open.

Sources

  • VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (January 28, 2026)
  • FBI: 2024 Internet Crime Report (May 13, 2025)
  • Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice: “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam” (March 7, 2024)
  • FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov