Watch Out for These Online Shopping Scams — and How to Stay Safe

Online shopping has become a routine part of life for most of us. It’s fast, convenient, and often the best way to find deals. But that same convenience also attracts scammers who are constantly looking for new ways to trick shoppers out of their money and personal information. Whether you’re a seasoned online buyer or just starting out, knowing how to spot a scam can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other consumer protection agencies regularly issue warnings about online shopping scams, especially around the holidays but throughout the year as well. These warnings are worth paying attention to — the schemes are becoming more sophisticated, and no one is immune.

What’s Happening

Scammers use a variety of tactics to reach online shoppers. One of the most common is phishing emails that appear to come from a trusted retailer or delivery service. These messages often claim there’s a problem with your order or that you need to confirm payment details. The links in them lead to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials or credit card number.

Another widespread scam involves fake online stores. These sites look legitimate — they may use logos stolen from real companies — and offer popular items at steep discounts. You place an order, pay, and then either receive nothing or a cheap counterfeit. By the time you realize what happened, the site is gone and the scammer has moved on.

Social media platforms are also a hunting ground for scammers. You might see ads for unbelievable deals, followed by comments from fake accounts vouching for the seller. Some scammers even impersonate real stores by creating copycat accounts and messaging customers directly.

Veterans and military families are frequently targeted by scammers who know how to exploit trust in military-related brands or benefits. The VA has noted that fraudsters often pretend to represent the VA or other government agencies to gain access to sensitive information.

Why It Matters

The immediate risk is financial loss — you might pay for goods that never arrive, or have your credit card used fraudulently. But the damage can go deeper. Scammers often try to collect enough personal data to commit identity theft. Once they have your name, address, Social Security number, or banking details, they can open accounts in your name, file false tax returns, or drain your accounts.

For veterans and their families, the consequences can be especially serious. Scammers who gain access to VA benefits information could redirect payments or apply for benefits fraudulently. Recovering from identity theft can take months or years, and the emotional toll is significant. That’s why prevention is the best defense.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. Start by following these practical steps:

  • Verify the seller. Before you buy from an unfamiliar website, do a quick search for reviews. Look for independent feedback, not just testimonials on the site itself. Check for a physical address and a working customer service phone number.

  • Examine the URL carefully. Scam sites often use addresses that look almost right but contain extra words or misspellings — like “amaz0n-deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Also look for “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar, though keep in mind that padlocks alone aren’t a guarantee of trustworthiness.

  • Be skeptical of deals that seem too good. If a popular item is being sold for a fraction of its normal price, it’s probably a scam. Scammers rely on the excitement of a bargain to override caution.

  • Use secure payment methods. Credit cards and reputable payment services (like PayPal) offer more fraud protection than debit cards, wire transfers, or peer-to-peer apps. Avoid paying with gift cards or cryptocurrency — those are almost impossible to trace.

  • Don’t click links in unsolicited messages. If you get an email or text about an order you don’t remember placing, don’t click anything. Go directly to the retailer’s official website and check your account there.

  • Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. Unsecured networks can allow attackers to intercept your data. Use a mobile data connection or a VPN if you must shop away from home.

  • Monitor your accounts. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for charges you don’t recognize. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

If you do fall victim to a scam, act quickly. Contact your bank or credit card issuer to freeze the account and dispute the charges. Change your passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Veterans can also report scams that target benefits to the VA’s fraud hotline or visit VA.gov for scam alerts and recovery resources.

Sources

  • VA News: “Watch out for scams and stay safe while online shopping” (Jan. 2026)
  • VA News: “Shopping for the real deal” (Dec. 2024)
  • VA News: “Navigating holiday shopping risks when shopping online” (Nov. 2024)
  • VA News: “Protect your benefits from scammers during the holiday season” (Dec. 2023)
  • MOAA: “Military Scams: How to Spot Them and Protect Your Community” (Jul. 2025)

The key is to stay cautious and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. A few extra minutes of verification can keep your shopping experience safe and enjoyable.