Online shopping has made life easier for many older adults and retirees, especially those ordering prescriptions, gifts for family, or favorite foods and hobby supplies online. You can compare prices, track down rare items, and avoid crowded stores.

While online shopping offers these conveniences, new challenges and risks exist. Scammers now target adults less familiar with online accounts or modern payment options. Fake websites, fraudulent emails, and suspiciously good deals occur more often today. It’s natural to worry if a website is safe or if your personal details are being protected.

You can shop safely and confidently by following a few secure online shopping safety tips and staying alert to common warning signs.

Watch out: The most common online shopping scams for older adults

Shopping online offers convenience, but it also means facing new types of scams. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid many common traps.

1. Phishing emails and text messages

Phishing messages try to trick you into giving away personal information. These emails or texts often claim to be from stores you know, popular online retailers, or delivery companies. The message may say there’s a problem with your order or you need to confirm your account.

Usually, the link included in these messages leads to a fake website designed to steal your information or credit card numbers. Always pause before clicking links and verify by contacting the company directly if something seems off.

2. Fake shopping websites

Some scammers create entire online stores that look real. These sites use professional designs, fake reviews, and prices that seem much lower than anywhere else.

If you buy something, these scammers will never ship your item or send you a low-quality imitation. Double-check web addresses and look for “https” at the start of the site’s address, which indicates a secure site. If the item looks suspiciously cheap, it could be a scam.

3. Tech support and impersonation scams

Other scams involve people pretending to be from technical support teams, banks, Social Security, or Medicare. They may contact you by phone, email, or pop-up, claiming there’s a problem with your account or benefits.

These scammers usually create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to share sensitive information or send payment right away. Always use official contact information from the company’s real website, not from the message or call you received.

Spotting the red flags of fraudulent shopping sites

Spotting the warning signs of a risky website can save you money and frustration. Online shopping safety starts with knowing what to look for.

It’s easier than it sounds — most scams share a few obvious clues once you know what to look for:

• Unusually low prices that seem far below what you’d find at major retailers.
• Payment methods that avoid credit cards, such as requests for wire transfers, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Poor spelling, grammar mistakes, or fuzzy images in product photos and logos.
• No clear contact information or only a generic email address for the business. Legitimate businesses list a phone number and physical address.
• A website address (URL) that doesn’t match the real company name, or a site with extra words, dashes, or numbers in the link.
• “Http” at the beginning of the web address. Secure sites always use “https” to protect your information.
• Vague or missing return policy, or rules that make it almost impossible to get a refund.
• Over-the-top claims about shipping speed, product performance, or customer satisfaction, often without real customer reviews.

When you see one or more of these signs, pause before entering any payment or personal information. A little caution now can protect you from bigger headaches down the road.

Simple ways to shop safely every time

A few simple habits go a long way in keeping your accounts and payments safe. Use these secure online shopping tips to reduce your risk and give you more control whenever you shop:

• Shop only on secure websites you trust. Remember to look for “https” at the beginning of the address and stick to well-known retailers when possible. Major sites like Amazon provide an A-to-z Guarantee, giving shoppers extra security if there’s an issue with their order.
• If you suspect a website may be fraudulent, you can look up the business in the Better Business Bureau or search “[business name] fraud” and see if there are reports of stealing money or data.
• Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer strong protections if there’s a dispute or fraud. Avoid using debit cards, wire transfers, or other payment methods that don’t offer similar safeguards.
• Create a unique, strong password for each online account. If you have trouble remembering them, consider a password manager to keep track of your logins.
• Be cautious with “buy now, pay later” or installment payment offers. These may sound convenient, but can lead to overspending, late fees, or interest charges if not managed carefully.
• Never shop or enter payment information when connected to public Wi-Fi, like at a coffee shop or airport. Public networks make it easier for others to steal your details.
• Log out of your account and close your browser after purchasing, especially on public or shared computers.
• Keep your computer, phone, and browser updated with the latest security updates to guard against new threats.

Keeping your personal details private online

Take control of your privacy each time you shop online. Share only what’s needed to complete your order, such as your shipping address and payment information. No retailer should ask for your Social Security number or bank account details. If you see questions about your interests or other personal details, you can skip them.

Actively check retailer privacy policies before you enter information. Look for stores stating they won’t sell or share your data. When in doubt, choose another site.

It also pays to monitor your accounts regularly. Set up alerts with your credit card company to notify you of large or unusual purchases. Review your statements at least once a month for charges you don’t recognize.

Just a few small steps can keep your personal information where it belongs — with you.

Taking action after online fraud

If you suspect you’ve fallen for an online scam, act quickly. Contact your credit card company or bank right away — they can often stop a payment or help you recover lost funds. Change your account passwords immediately, especially if you use the same password on other sites.

Save all emails, receipts, and screenshots connected to the scam. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or contact your local law enforcement agency if money was stolen. These reports help stop scammers and protect others.

You may feel embarrassed or frustrated, but you’re not alone. Many smart, careful people have been targeted and taken in by convincing scams. Reporting fraud not only protects your finances but also helps keep others safe.