Think Before You Click: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping is convenient, but it’s also become a hunting ground for scammers. The latest FBI Internet Crime Report shows that consumers lost tens of millions of dollars to online shopping scams in 2024 alone. And according to a recent article from VA News, these scams are growing more sophisticated — targeting not just the elderly, but anyone browsing deals on social media, email, or even official-looking websites.

Whether you’re buying holiday gifts or just everyday items, a few extra seconds of caution can save you money and your personal information.

What’s Happening

Scammers are using a variety of tactics to trick shoppers:

Fake websites that mimic real stores. They copy logos, product images, and even contact pages. The URL might be slightly misspelled (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
Phishing emails and texts. You get a message claiming there’s a problem with your order or a “suspicious purchase.” The Federal Trade Commission has specifically warned about calls or texts impersonating Amazon, asking you to verify a purchase you never made.
Social media ads with “too good to be true” prices. Scammers buy ads on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, offering popular items at deep discounts. Once you pay, the item never arrives — or you receive a counterfeit.
Payment fraud. Some sites request wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment via gift cards. These methods are nearly impossible to reverse.

The VA News article reminds readers that scammers often create a false sense of urgency — “Only 2 left in stock!” or “Act now or lose the deal!”

Why It Matters

Beyond losing your money, online shopping scams can lead to identity theft. When you enter your credit card number, address, and phone number on a fake site, that data can be sold on dark web markets. The FBI’s 2024 report found that non-payment/non-delivery scams were among the most reported cybercrimes, with victims losing a median of $500 per incident. For many households, that’s a significant financial hit, especially during the holiday season.

Even if you catch the scam quickly, disputing charges with your bank takes time and can be stressful. The real cost is often more than just the dollar amount.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to shop safely. Here are practical steps, many based on guidance from the FTC and VA News:

1. Verify the seller or website

Check for contact information: a physical address, phone number, and customer service email.
Search the business name plus “scam” or “review” to see if others have reported problems.
Look at the URL closely. Legitimate sites use HTTPS (the padlock icon) but scammers can also get that — so rely more on the domain name itself.

2. Use safe payment methods

Credit cards offer the best fraud protection — you can dispute charges if something goes wrong. Debit cards have weaker protections.
Avoid wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps like Zelle or CashApp for purchases from unknown sellers. These are basically untraceable.

3. Watch for red flags

Prices that are drastically lower than other retailers.
Poor grammar or odd phrasing in the product description or email.
Requests to “confirm” account details via a link in an email — always go to the official website directly instead of clicking.
Urgency tactics that pressure you to act immediately.

4. Know what to do if you fall for a scam

First, contact your bank or credit card issuer to freeze the card and dispute the charge.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If the scam involved identity theft (like a fake login page), visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Also report the website or ad to the platform where you saw it (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Google).

Sources

VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (2026)
FBI: 2024 Internet Crime Report
Federal Trade Commission: “Did you get a call or text about a suspicious purchase on Amazon? It’s a scam” (Consumer Advice)
VA News: “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (2024)

Online shopping isn’t going away, and neither are scammers. But by staying alert and following these straightforward checks, you reduce the odds of becoming a statistic. The best “deal” is one that actually arrives at your door — safe and exactly what you ordered.