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Online purchase scams are the fourth riskiest scam type targeting consumers, according to the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. July is military consumer month, so BBB shares some tips on recognizing and avoiding online shopping scams.
The most reported scam type to BBB Scam Tracker in 2024 were online purchase scams, making up 30.3% of all scams. More than 87% of those who reported being targeted by online purchase scams lost money.
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to help reduce your risk of online fraud:
What you'll learn:
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Why online purchase scams are a major concern
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How to spot and avoid scams
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Where to find help and more information
Updated May 30, 2025 with updated BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report stats
Online shopping tips:
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t shop on price alone. Searching for a low price is why people reported losing money. Many scammers offer deals that seem too good to pass up; however, they may lose money to a counterfeit product or may not even get the product.
Beware of phony sellers. Double-check to make sure the website of the seller is safe. Check the URL for errors and misspellings, and never click on a suspicious link. Does the website have accessible contact information? Read online reviews about the company or website and see what others say.
Don’t pay with gift cards! If someone asks you to pay for something with a gift card, like a Google Play or iTunes card, it’s likely a scam. No real business or government agency will ever insist you pay them with a gift card. Anyone who demands to be paid with a gift card should raise a red flag.
Know the seller. If the seller or website seems sketchy, it is wise to avoid it. Instead, buy directly from the source (brand, manufacturer, team, etc.) or through an established shop or authorized reseller.
Protect yourself. When buying or selling on a site that protects buyers and sellers, take advantage of them. If a buyer or seller tries to persuade you to go outside the site’s usual process or payment methods, that’s a big red flag.
If an online scam has targeted you or you wish to learn about common scams in your community, check out the BBB’s Scam Tracker to file a report or read about others’ experiences.
For more tips, visit BBB's online shopping hub and the military and veteran consumer hub.
For more information
To learn more about BBB’s Military and Veterans Initiative, visit BBB.org/Military.
Go to BBB.org/ScamTracker to report a scam and learn more about other risky scams in our scam news feed.