Stop Online Shopping Scams: Warning Signs You Need to Know

Scammers are getting smarter, but you can stay ahead. Learn the telltale signs of a fake deal, how to verify sellers, and what to do if you get tricked. This plain-language guide covers the latest tactics—from phishing texts to fake websites—so you can shop with confidence.

What happened

Online shopping fraud continues to rise, and government agencies are issuing repeated warnings. In January 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs published an article titled “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” on VA News. The piece reminds consumers that fraudsters often impersonate trusted organizations, including the VA itself, to trick people into handing over personal information or money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), online shopping scams are among the top categories of consumer complaints year after year.

Scammers use a variety of methods: fake e-commerce sites that look nearly identical to legitimate stores, phishing emails and text messages that claim there’s a problem with your order, and social media marketplace listings offering steep discounts that vanish after you pay. Payment app scams are also common, where sellers ask you to send money via Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp before you’ve received anything. Because these apps don’t offer the same buyer protections as credit cards, victims rarely get their money back.

Why it matters

Anyone who shops online can be targeted, but some groups face higher risk. Veterans, for instance, may be more susceptible to scams that reference VA benefits or claim to be from official government offices. Scammers exploit trust in government logos and official-sounding language. The VA’s warning is a timely reminder that staying safe online isn’t just about avoiding obvious fake emails—it’s about recognizing the patterns fraudsters use every day.

Even experienced shoppers can be fooled by a well-designed phishing page or a too-good-to-be-true deal shared by a friend on social media. The stakes go beyond a stolen credit card number. Once scammers have your name, address, email, and phone number, they can commit identity theft, open accounts in your name, or target you with more sophisticated attacks later. A single mistake can cascade into months of hassle.

What readers can do

1. Spot the red flags before you click

  • Unrealistic discounts: If a new laptop or designer handbag is marked 80% off on an unfamiliar site, it’s almost certainly a scam. Compare prices with established retailers.
  • Poor grammar and odd URLs: Phishing emails and fake websites often have typos, awkward phrasing, or URLs that misspell a brand name (e.g., “amaz0n-deals.co”).
  • Pressure to act fast: “Limited stock – only 2 left!” or “This deal expires in 30 minutes” are urgency tricks meant to stop you from thinking clearly.
  • Unusual payment requests: Legitimate sellers do not ask for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. If a seller insists on these methods, walk away.

2. Shop safely

  • Stick to well-known, reputable websites. If you’re considering a seller you’ve never heard of, search for “[store name] scam” or “[store name] reviews” before buying.
  • Use a credit card or a secure payment service like PayPal Goods and Services when possible. Credit cards offer fraud protection that debit cards and payment apps often lack.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email and payment accounts. It adds an extra step for anyone trying to break in.
  • Keep your browser and antivirus software up to date. Many modern browsers flag known phishing sites automatically.

3. What to do if you’ve been scammed

Time matters. If you believe you’ve fallen for a shopping scam:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Report the transaction as fraudulent and ask for a chargeback if you used a card.
  • Change your passwords, especially for the email account linked to your purchase. If you reused that password elsewhere, update those accounts too.
  • Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your complaint helps build cases against scammers and can warn others.
  • If the scam involved the VA or your military benefits, report it to the VA’s Office of Inspector General at 1-800-488-8244.

Sources

  • VA News (.gov). “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping.” January 28, 2026.
  • VA News (.gov). “Shopping for the real deal.” December 10, 2024. (Related guidance on verifying sellers)
  • VA News (.gov). “Protecting your benefits data from fraudsters.” January 30, 2025.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book, 2025. (Top fraud categories)

Stay skeptical, verify before you click, and trust official government resources. A few extra minutes checking a website or an email can save you from a lot of trouble.