Online Shopping Scams: What to Watch For and How to Stay Safe

Online shopping is convenient, but it also opens the door to scams. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report noted that online shopping fraud remains one of the most common complaints, with losses running into hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issue alerts to help consumers recognize and avoid these threats.

This article draws on credible government sources — including a recent VA News alert — to give you practical steps for staying safe while shopping online, whether you’re buying everyday items or holiday gifts.

What Happened: Rising Scams and Government Alerts

In January 2026, VA News published an article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping,” reminding consumers that criminals constantly adjust their tactics. The piece, part of a broader effort by the VA to protect veterans and the general public, highlighted that scammers often create fake websites, send phishing emails, or post deceptive ads on social media.

The FBI’s 2024 report reinforces this: complaints about online shopping fraud increased compared to the previous year, with scammers frequently using too-good-to-be-true discounts, fake payment pages, and impersonation of well-known retailers. The FTC also publishes guidance on spotting health insurance scams and other tricks, but the core principles for shopping scams apply broadly.

Why It Matters

When you fall for an online shopping scam, you don’t just lose money. Scammers often collect your personal information — name, address, credit card details, even your Social Security number in some cases — which can lead to identity theft. According to the FTC, recovering from identity theft can take months or years and cost you time and stress on top of any financial loss.

For veterans specifically, scammers may target them because of their reliable benefits; but anyone who shops online is a potential target. Staying informed is the best defense.

What Readers Can Do: Practical Steps to Protect Yourself

Based on advice from the VA, FTC, and FBI, here are concrete actions you can take:

1. Verify the website before you buy.
Check that the URL begins with “https://” and look for a padlock icon. Scammers often use addresses that mimic real stores but contain misspellings or extra characters (like “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). If the site looks odd, don’t enter any information.

2. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
Extreme discounts on popular items — say, a new smartphone for 80% off — are a common lure. Scammers count on excitement overriding caution. Compare prices across reputable stores; if only one site offers that price, it’s likely a scam.

3. Avoid unusual payment methods.
Legitimate merchants accept credit cards, PayPal, or other traceable payment systems. Be wary of sellers who demand wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Credit cards offer the strongest fraud protection; use them for online purchases when possible.

4. Watch for red flags in emails and ads.
Phishing emails often contain poor grammar, generic greetings like “Dear Customer,” and urgent calls to action (“Your account will be closed unless you click here immediately”). Do not click links in unsolicited emails. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website.

5. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts.
This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for scammers to access your shopping accounts even if they get your password.

6. Keep your devices and software updated.
Outdated browsers, operating systems, and antivirus software have known vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Enable automatic updates where possible.

7. Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases.
Public networks are not secure. If you must shop on the go, use a VPN or wait until you’re on a trusted private network.

What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Been Scammed

Act quickly. First, contact your bank or credit card issuer to dispute the charge and freeze the card. Then change the passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you gave away personal information, also consider a fraud alert with the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). The VA suggests veterans also notify their local VA office if the scam involved VA benefits or identification.

Online shopping can be safe if you stay alert and follow these guidelines. Scammers will keep trying new tricks, but the basics — verify, hesitate before deals that seem too good, use secure payment methods — remain effective.

Sources

  • VA News. “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” January 28, 2026.
  • FBI. “FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report.” May 13, 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission. “Spot Health Insurance Scams.” December 2, 2025.
  • VA News. “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online.” November 28, 2024.
  • FTC Consumer Advice. General guidance on online shopping safety.