Online shopping has made it easier than ever to purchase products from anywhere in the world—but it has also created new opportunities for scammers. Every day, cybercriminals launch fake online stores, advertise products that don't exist, sell counterfeit goods, and trick shoppers into paying for items they'll never receive.

Today's shopping scams are more convincing than ever. Fraudsters use professionally designed websites, fake customer reviews, AI-generated product images, and heavily discounted prices to create a false sense of trust.

In this chapter, you'll learn about the most common online shopping scams, how they work, and the warning signs that can help you shop safely. 

The Growing Cost of Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping fraud continues to rise as more consumers purchase products through websites, marketplaces, and social media platforms.

Recent reports show:

• Consumers lose billions of dollars every year to online shopping scams.
• Thousands of fake shopping websites are created annually to impersonate legitimate retailers.
• Shopping scams become significantly more common during holiday seasons and major sales events.
• Social media platforms have become one of the fastest-growing sources of online shopping fraud.
• Counterfeit products continue to cost consumers and businesses billions of dollars worldwide.

Whether you're buying electronics, clothing, event tickets, or household items, understanding how these scams work is your best defense. 

Common Online Shopping Scams

1. Fake Online Stores

One of the most common shopping scams involves fake e-commerce websites that closely resemble legitimate online retailers.

These websites advertise popular products at unbelievable prices to attract shoppers looking for a bargain.

How the Scam Works

• Scammers create professional-looking online stores.
• They advertise brand-name products at discounts of 70% to 90% off.
• Customers complete their purchase and submit payment information.
• After payment is received, one of three things usually happens:
• The item never ships.
• A counterfeit or poor-quality product arrives.
• The website disappears completely.

Common Warning Signs

• Prices that seem far below market value.
• Newly created websites with few customer reviews.
• Limited or missing contact information.
• Only one payment option, such as bank transfer or cryptocurrency.
• No return or refund policy.

How to Stay Safe

Research unfamiliar stores before making a purchase. Look for independent reviews, verify contact information, and use payment methods that offer buyer protection. 

2. Social Media Marketplace Scams

Shopping directly through Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shopping, TikTok Shop, and similar platforms has become increasingly popular—but so have scams targeting buyers.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters may:

• Ask you to pay outside the platform.
• Send fake shipping confirmations.
• Provide invalid tracking numbers.
• Ship an empty package or the wrong item.
• Sell fake tickets or products that don't exist.

Some scammers also send fake overpayment checks and ask victims to refund the difference before the original payment bounces.

Common Warning Signs

• Requests to communicate outside the platform.
• Sellers refusing secure payment methods.
• Pressure to pay quickly.
• Prices significantly below market value.

How to Stay Safe

Always complete purchases using the marketplace's official payment system and avoid off-platform transactions. 

3. Fake Shopping Apps

Cybercriminals also create fake shopping applications that imitate trusted retailers.

How the Scam Works

These apps may:

• Mimic popular retailers.
• Steal your payment information.
• Capture login credentials.
• Install malware on your device.

Some fake apps closely resemble legitimate shopping apps, making them difficult to identify.

How to Stay Safe

Download apps only from official app stores and verify the developer before installing. 

4. Non-Delivery Scams

In this scam, everything appears legitimate—until your order never arrives.

How the Scam Works

• You place an order through a website or seller.
• Payment is accepted immediately.
• You receive either:
• No tracking information.
• A fake tracking number.
• Tracking that never updates.
• Eventually, the seller stops responding altogether.

These scams frequently involve:

• Smartphones
• Gaming consoles
• AirPods
• Designer clothing
• Holiday gifts
• Limited-edition products

How to Stay Safe

Pay with a credit card whenever possible and avoid sellers that don't provide reliable shipping information. 

5. Counterfeit Product Scams

Not every shopping scam ends with no delivery.

Sometimes scammers send counterfeit products that closely resemble authentic items.

These knockoffs are often poorly made and, in some cases, can even pose safety risks.

Frequently Counterfeited Products

• Luxury handbags and watches.
• Smartphones and accessories.
• Cosmetics and skincare products.
• Prescription medications and supplements.
• Designer clothing and footwear.

How to Stay Safe

Purchase expensive or brand-name products only from authorized retailers or trusted marketplaces. 

6. Fake Ticket Sales

Scammers know that concerts, sporting events, and festivals often sell out quickly.

They take advantage by advertising fake tickets at attractive prices.

How the Scam Works

• Fake tickets are sold through social media, online classifieds, or messaging apps.
• Victims receive counterfeit tickets—or nothing at all.
• The fraud is often discovered only after arriving at the venue.

How to Stay Safe

Buy tickets directly from official vendors or well-known resale platforms that provide buyer protection. 

7. Fake Influencer Shopping Scams

Fraudsters frequently impersonate influencers—or compromise legitimate influencer accounts—to promote fake products and fraudulent online stores.

How the Scam Works

• Influencers advertise exclusive discounts.
• Followers click links to fake shopping websites.
• Products never arrive or turn out to be counterfeit.

How to Stay Safe

Verify promotions through the brand's official website before making a purchase. 

8. Brushing Scams

A brushing scam is unusual because you receive a package you never ordered.

The package usually contains a low-value item and appears to have been shipped using your name and address.

Why It Happens

Scammers use your personal information to create fake "verified purchases" and post fraudulent positive reviews for products online.

Although you typically won't lose money immediately, it may indicate that your personal information has been exposed.

What You Should Do

• Don't pay for the item.
• Monitor your online shopping accounts.
• Change passwords if you suspect unauthorized activity.
• Watch for signs of identity theft. 

9. Fake Order Confirmation Emails

This phishing scam is designed to create panic.

How the Scam Works

• You receive an email confirming an expensive purchase.
• The message claims you can cancel within 24 hours.
• Clicking the cancellation link leads to a phishing website or malware download.

How to Stay Safe

Instead of clicking the email, log directly into your shopping account to verify whether the order exists. 

10. Subscription Trap Scams

Many online offers advertise free trials or heavily discounted products—but hide expensive recurring subscriptions in the fine print.

How the Scam Works

• You sign up for a "free" or low-cost trial.
• Hidden terms automatically enroll you in a recurring subscription.
• Cancelling becomes intentionally difficult.

Common targets include:

• Dietary supplements
• Skincare products
• Mobile apps
• Streaming services
• Software subscriptions

How to Stay Safe

Always read the subscription terms before entering your payment information, and monitor your bank statements for recurring charges after signing up for free trials. 

Quick Safety Tips for Online Shopping

Before making any purchase online, remember these simple rules:

• Research unfamiliar websites before buying.
• Be skeptical of discounts that seem too good to be true.
• Use secure payment methods with buyer protection.
• Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Verify reviews from independent sources—not just the seller's website.
• Shop only on websites that use HTTPS encryption.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels suspicious, walk away.

Remember

A great deal should save you money—not cost you your identity. Taking a few extra minutes to verify a seller can protect you from counterfeit products, financial fraud, and identity theft.

Red Flags: How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam

Online shopping scams often look convincing at first glance. Fake websites, dishonest sellers, and counterfeit products are designed to appear legitimate, making it easy to lower your guard.

Fortunately, most shopping scams share common warning signs. If you notice several of the red flags below, it's best to walk away before making a purchase. 

🚩 Website Red Flags

A fraudulent shopping website may look professional, but a closer inspection often reveals signs that something isn't right.

Watch out for:

• Extreme discounts offering products at 70–90% below their normal retail price.
• Recently registered domains with little or no online history.
• Poor website design, broken pages, or spelling and grammar mistakes.
• Missing contact information, or only a generic contact form with no phone number or email address.
• Copied product descriptions and images taken from legitimate retailers.
• No physical business address, or an address that can't be verified.
• Suspicious domain names filled with generic words, numbers, or unnecessary hyphens.
• Fake customer reviews, such as dozens of identical five-star ratings with vague comments.

Safety Tip

Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website, search for independent reviews and check how long the domain has been registered. 

🚩 Seller Red Flags

Whether you're shopping on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or another marketplace, pay attention to the seller's behavior.

Be cautious if a seller:

• Insists on completing the payment outside the platform.
• Refuses secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal Goods & Services.
• Requests payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.
• Can't provide additional photos or answer basic questions about the item.
• Has a newly created account with little or no selling history.
• Pressures you to "buy now" because someone else is supposedly interested.
• Lists products at prices far below their normal market value.

Safety Tip

Legitimate sellers are usually happy to answer questions and provide additional photos before you buy. 

🚩 Product Red Flags

Even if the website appears trustworthy, the product listing itself may reveal signs of fraud.

Watch for:

• Only stock photos with no real product images.
• Product descriptions copied directly from other websites.
• Luxury or designer products advertised at unbelievably low prices.
• Claims that a U.S. retailer is shipping directly from overseas without explanation.
• Missing warranty information or unclear return policies.
• Constant countdown timers and "limited-time offers" designed to create urgency.

Safety Tip

Perform a reverse image search on product photos. If the same images appear across dozens of unrelated websites, the listing may be fraudulent. 

🚩 Payment Red Flags

Scammers prefer payment methods that are difficult—or impossible—to reverse.

Avoid sellers who:

• Accept only gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or direct bank deposits.
• Ask for payment before you've verified the product.
• Request unnecessary personal information during checkout.
• Use checkout pages that don't display HTTPS encryption or a padlock icon.
• Redirect you to unfamiliar third-party payment processors.

Safety Tip

Whenever possible, pay with a credit card or another payment method that offers fraud protection and chargeback rights. 

🚩 Communication Red Flags

The way a seller communicates can reveal a lot about their legitimacy.

Be suspicious if they:

• Use poor grammar or awkward language.
• Give vague or generic answers instead of addressing your questions.
• Don't provide a customer service phone number or email address.
• Stop responding after receiving payment.
• Continuously pressure you to complete the purchase immediately.

Safety Tip

Scammers rely on urgency. A legitimate seller won't mind if you take a little time to research the purchase before making a decision. 

Remember

One warning sign doesn't always mean a website or seller is fraudulent—but several red flags together should raise serious concerns. If something feels off, trust your instincts and shop somewhere you know is reputable. A few extra minutes of research can save you from losing money, receiving counterfeit products, or becoming the victim of identity theft. 

How to Verify an Online Store Before You Buy

A few minutes of research before making a purchase can save you from losing money, receiving counterfeit products, or having your personal information stolen.

Before entering your payment details, follow these simple verification steps. 

Step 1: Research the Website or Seller

If you're shopping from an unfamiliar website or buying from an individual seller, spend a few minutes researching them first.

Here's how:

• Search the company or website name along with terms like "scam," "reviews," or "complaints."
• Check how long the website has existed using a domain lookup (newly registered websites deserve extra caution).
• Read independent customer reviews instead of relying solely on testimonials posted on the seller's website.
• Look up the business on trusted consumer review platforms.
• Search the company's physical address using Google Maps to confirm it actually exists.

Safety Tip

Scammers frequently launch new websites, collect payments for a short period, and disappear before customers realize they've been defrauded. 

Step 2: Verify the Contact Information

Legitimate businesses make it easy for customers to contact them.

Before purchasing, check for:

• A customer service phone number.
• A valid email address.
• A physical business address.
• Multiple ways to contact customer support.

If a phone number is listed, consider calling it to confirm it works.

If the listed address appears to be a residential property, vacant lot, or unrelated business, proceed with caution. 

Step 3: Check the Website's Security

A secure website won't guarantee that a business is legitimate—but an insecure one is a major warning sign.

Before entering payment information, confirm that the website:

• Uses HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser).
• Uses trusted payment processors.
• Has clearly written Privacy Policies and Terms of Service.
• Displays consistent branding and professional design.

Remember, HTTPS only encrypts your connection—it doesn't guarantee the seller is trustworthy. 

Step 4: Reverse Image Search Product Photos

Scammers frequently steal product images from legitimate retailers.

You can check whether product photos have been copied by performing a reverse image search using tools like Google Images or TinEye.

If the exact same images appear across dozens of unrelated websites, there's a good chance the seller isn't legitimate. 

Step 5: Compare Prices

One of the biggest warning signs is an unrealistic discount.

Compare the product price with:

• The manufacturer's official website.
• Major online retailers.
• Other reputable sellers.

If every retailer is selling a product for $500 but one website lists it for $149, there's probably a reason.

Remember

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. 

Step 6: Buying Through Social Media or Online Marketplaces

Extra caution is needed when purchasing from Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shops, Craigslist, or similar platforms.

Before buying:

• Review the seller's profile and selling history.
• Read customer ratings and reviews.
• Ask for additional photos if needed.
• Meet in a safe public place for local purchases whenever possible.
• Complete payments using the platform's official checkout system.

Never agree to move the transaction outside the platform simply because the seller offers a lower price. 

Choose Safe Payment Methods

The payment method you choose can make the difference between recovering your money—or losing it permanently.

Best Payment Methods

These offer the strongest buyer protection:

• ✅ Credit cards
• ✅ PayPal Goods & Services
• ✅ Trusted marketplace checkout systems

If something goes wrong, these services often allow you to dispute unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. 

Payment Methods With Limited Protection

Exercise additional caution when paying with:

• ⚠️ Debit cards
• ⚠️ Venmo
• ⚠️ Zelle
• ⚠️ Cash App

These services generally provide fewer protections for online purchases and may make recovering your money more difficult. 

Payment Methods to Avoid

Scammers almost always prefer payment methods that can't be reversed.

Never pay using:

• ❌ Gift cards
• ❌ Wire transfers
• ❌ Cryptocurrency
• ❌ Friends & Family payment options

Once these payments are sent, recovering your money is often impossible. 

Walk Away Immediately If...

Stop the purchase if the website or seller:

• Accepts only gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Pressures you to buy immediately.
• Refuses to provide additional product photos.
• Uses a newly created account or website with little history.
• Sells luxury products at unbelievably low prices.
• Doesn't provide verifiable contact information.
• Uses a website that looks nearly identical to other suspicious online stores.

Final Advice

Scammers depend on impulse purchases and emotional decisions. If a website, seller, or deal makes you feel rushed or uneasy, don't ignore that feeling.

Taking just a few extra minutes to research a seller and verify a website can help you avoid counterfeit products, financial fraud, and identity theft. 

Real-World Shopping Scam Case Studies

Understanding how online shopping scams work in the real world can help you recognize warning signs before you become a victim. While scammers constantly change their tactics, most scams follow familiar patterns that exploit trust, urgency, and the promise of a great deal. 

Case Study 1: The BogusBazaar Fake Store Network

One of the largest online shopping fraud operations uncovered in recent years involved a massive network of fake e-commerce websites impersonating well-known retail brands.

How the Scam Worked

Cybercriminals created thousands of professionally designed online stores that closely resembled legitimate retailers selling popular brands.

These websites:

• Promoted major brands at discounts of 70–80%.
• Used polished product photos and copied descriptions from authentic retailers.
• Accepted credit card payments like legitimate stores.
• Either never shipped products or delivered cheap counterfeit items.
• Disappeared after collecting customer payments.

Warning Signs

• Website domains that looked similar—but weren't identical—to official brand websites.
• Extremely large discounts on popular products.
• Recently registered domains with little online history.
• Products supposedly shipping from U.S. warehouses but actually coming from overseas.
• No customer service phone number or verifiable business information.

Lesson Learned

Always verify you're shopping on the brand's official website before entering payment information. A professional-looking website doesn't guarantee it's legitimate. 

Case Study 2: Facebook Marketplace Puppy Scam

Pets are one of the most emotionally powerful products scammers use to manipulate buyers.

How the Scam Worked

Fraudsters advertised adorable purebred puppies on Facebook Marketplace at attractive prices.

After victims agreed to purchase the puppy:

• They were asked to pay an initial deposit.
• Additional fees followed for shipping, vaccinations, insurance, or veterinary costs.
• New emergencies kept appearing, requiring more money.
• Eventually, the seller disappeared.

The puppies never existed.

Warning Signs

• Newly created Facebook profiles.
• Stock photos stolen from legitimate breeders.
• Refusal to participate in video calls.
• Requests to pay outside Facebook's payment system.
• Constant pressure to secure the puppy immediately.

Lesson Learned

Never purchase pets without verifying the breeder, meeting the animal when possible, and using payment methods that offer buyer protection. 

Case Study 3: Fake Concert Ticket Scams

High-demand events create ideal opportunities for scammers.

When concerts or sporting events sell out, fraudsters exploit disappointed fans by advertising tickets that don't actually exist.

How the Scam Worked

Scammers:

• Created fake ticket-selling websites.
• Advertised tickets for sold-out events.
• Sent convincing confirmation emails after payment.
• Delivered counterfeit or invalid tickets—or nothing at all.

Some also contacted victims through social media, claiming to have extra tickets available.

Victims often didn't discover the fraud until they arrived at the venue.

Warning Signs

• Tickets available for completely sold-out events.
• Prices significantly lower than legitimate resale markets.
• Pressure to purchase immediately.
• Requests for payment through Zelle, Venmo, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
• Websites that closely resembled official ticket providers.

Lesson Learned

Purchase tickets only through official vendors or trusted resale platforms that provide buyer protection. 

Case Study 4: Brushing Scams

Not every shopping scam is designed to steal your money immediately.

In a brushing scam, victims unexpectedly receive inexpensive packages they never ordered.

How the Scam Works

The package often contains inexpensive items such as:

• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Phone accessories
• Household items
• Small toys

Scammers use your name and address to create fake customer accounts and post fraudulent "Verified Purchase" reviews for products online.

Why It Matters

Receiving an unexpected package may indicate that your personal information has been exposed or is being used without your permission.

What You Should Do

• Report the unauthorized shipment to the retailer.
• Review your shopping accounts for suspicious activity.
• Change your passwords if necessary.
• Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports.

Lesson Learned

Even if you don't lose money, brushing scams may be an early warning sign that your personal information has been compromised. 

How to Shop Online Safely

Following a few simple habits can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of an online shopping scam.

Shop with Trusted Retailers

Whenever possible, purchase directly from:

• Official brand websites.
• Established online retailers.
• Well-known marketplaces with buyer protection.

Be cautious when shopping from unfamiliar websites offering unusually large discounts. 

Verify Every Website

Before entering payment information:

• Check that the website address is spelled correctly.
• Look for HTTPS encryption and the padlock icon.
• Research how long the domain has existed.
• Read independent customer reviews.
• Confirm the business provides legitimate contact information. 

Pay With a Credit Card

Credit cards generally provide the strongest fraud protection for online purchases.

Benefits include:

• Chargeback rights.
• Fraud monitoring.
• Purchase protection.
• Limited liability for unauthorized transactions.

Avoid payment methods that offer little or no buyer protection. 

Turn On Purchase Alerts

Most banks and payment providers allow you to receive instant notifications whenever your card is used.

These alerts can help you identify unauthorized transactions immediately. 

Read Reviews Carefully

Don't rely solely on reviews posted on the seller's website.

Instead:

• Read reviews across multiple independent websites.
• Look for detailed customer experiences.
• Be cautious of stores with only perfect five-star ratings. 

Stay Safe on Online Marketplaces

When buying from Facebook Marketplace or similar platforms:

• Meet locally in a public place whenever possible.
• Use the platform's official payment system.
• Review the seller's profile and ratings.
• Avoid newly created accounts with little history. 

Be Extra Careful With New Retailers

If you've never purchased from a website before:

• Research the company thoroughly.
• Start with a small purchase.
• Review the return and refund policies.
• Save all receipts and order confirmations. 

Don't Let Discounts Cloud Your Judgment

Scammers know everyone loves a bargain.

If every other retailer sells a product for $500 and one website offers it for $99, there's usually a reason.

A few minutes of research can save hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. 

What to Do If You Become a Victim

If you've been scammed while shopping online, act as quickly as possible.

Immediately

• Stop communicating with the seller.
• Save emails, receipts, screenshots, and payment confirmations.
• Contact your payment provider to dispute the transaction.
• Report the seller to the marketplace or platform. 

Report the Scam

Consider reporting the incident to:

• Your payment provider or bank.
• The shopping platform.
• Consumer protection agencies.
• Local law enforcement if appropriate.

If counterfeit products were involved, notify the legitimate brand so they can investigate. 

Protect Yourself Going Forward

After a shopping scam:

• Change passwords for affected accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Monitor your financial statements.
• Review your credit reports for suspicious activity.
• Consider using virtual card numbers for future online purchases. 

Key Takeaways

• Fake online stores and marketplace scams continue to grow every year.
• Professional-looking websites aren't always legitimate.
• Verify unfamiliar retailers before making a purchase.
• Use credit cards or trusted payment systems with buyer protection.
• Never pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
• Be skeptical of deals that seem dramatically cheaper than every other retailer.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, don't buy.

Remember

Online shopping should be convenient—not risky. Scammers rely on impulse purchases, unrealistic discounts, and urgency to trick shoppers into making costly mistakes. Taking a few extra minutes to verify a website, seller, and payment method can help protect your money, your personal information, and your peace of mind.

🔒 Enable Scam Protection and let Priil detect suspicious websites, messages, and online threats.