Watch Out for Online Shopping Scams: What Veterans and Everyone Should Know This Season

Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers—especially during peak sales periods like holidays, tax season, or big promotions. The FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report shows that cybercrime losses in the United States reached nearly $12.5 billion, with online purchase scams consistently among the top categories reported. Veterans and military families are frequent targets because scammers know they often have stable incomes and may trust official-looking communications. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Trade Commission have published multiple alerts urging caution. Here’s a grounded look at how these scams work and what you can do to stay safe.

What Happened

Scammers have become more sophisticated in mimicking real online stores, emails from shipping carriers, and even messages that appear to come from the VA or other government agencies. According to VA News sources, common tactics include:

  • Fake websites that copy trusted brands (e.g., clothing, electronics, or supplement retailers) with slightly altered URLs.
  • Phishing emails that claim a shipment is delayed and ask you to click a link to “verify” your address.
  • Social media ads offering steep discounts on popular items—often from storefronts that vanish after you pay.
  • Impersonation of the VA via calls or texts promising special benefits if you confirm personal information.

The FBI report notes that losses from non-delivery scams and advance-fee scams (where you pay upfront for goods that never arrive) continue to rise. The VA has also issued warnings about fake appeals for donations to veteran causes.

Why It Matters

For veterans, a scam is more than a lost purchase. Personal data taken during a fake transaction can be used to file fraudulent benefit claims, open credit accounts, or target family members. The emotional cost is real, especially when scammers pose as trustworthy institutions. During high-volume shopping periods, scammers exploit urgency and distraction. If you’re juggling multiple orders and deals, it’s easier to slip up and click a bad link or pay with a non-reversible method.

The sheer volume of scams means that even cautious shoppers can be caught off guard. The FBI and FTC data show that victims range from young adults to seniors, with no single demographic immune. Understanding the red flags is not just about saving money—it’s about protecting your identity and your access to legitimate services.

What Readers Can Do

The following steps come from VA and FTC guidance. They are not guarantees, but they significantly reduce your risk.

1. Verify the seller before buying

  • Check the website’s domain carefully. Look for misspellings or extra characters (e.g., “amaz0n.com” or “va-benefits-verify.org”).
  • Search for reviews of the seller. Be wary of a site with only glowing reviews or no reviews at all.
  • Use the Better Business Bureau or a site like USA.gov’s scam reporting page to see if others have complained.

2. Avoid suspicious payment methods

  • Use a credit card or a payment service like PayPal that offers purchase protection.
  • Never pay with wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate businesses rarely require these.
  • If a seller demands payment before you can see the full product details, stop.

3. Watch for pressure and unrealistic deals

  • If a sale claims to last “only one hour” or uses countdown timers, it’s often a tactic to rush you.
  • Deep discounts on high-demand items (like the latest game console or a popular winter coat) are common bait.
  • Read the return policy and contact info. A missing or vague policy is a red flag.
  • The VA will not contact you by email or text to ask for your Social Security number or payment details. If you get such a message, forward it to the VA’s scam reporting address ([email protected]) or delete it.
  • Sign up for VA’s free fraud alerts if you are a beneficiary. You can also set up multi-factor authentication on your VA.gov account.

5. Monitor your accounts after a purchase

  • Save all receipts and shipping confirmations.
  • Check your bank and credit card statements weekly during heavy shopping periods. Report unauthorized charges immediately.

6. If you think you’ve been scammed

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer right away to initiate a chargeback.
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Veterans can also call the VA Fraud Hotline (1-800-827-1000) if the scam is related to VA benefits or impersonation.

The steps above won’t stop every scam, but they build a routine that makes you a harder target. The best defense is a slow, skeptical approach—especially when a deal seems too good to be true.

Sources

  • VA News – “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan 2026) and “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov 2024).
  • FBI – 2024 Internet Crime Report (May 2025).
  • Federal Trade Commission – Consumer advice on spotting scams.
  • MOAA – “Military Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Community” (Jul 2025).