What are Online Shopping Scams?

Online shopping scams trick victims into paying for goods or services that don’t exist or are of inferior quality. These scams often occur on fraudulent websites or through fake sellers on legitimate platforms.

Common Signs of Online Shopping Scams:

Unbelievable Deals: Extremely low prices for high-value items.

Fake Websites: Poorly designed sites with unusual URLs.

Payment Only via Bank Transfers: Scammers avoid traceable payment methods like credit cards.

No Contact Information: Lack of a physical address or customer support details.

What You Should Do:

1. Shop only on trusted platforms (e.g. major marketplaces or brand sites). 

2. Check product and seller reviews carefully, preferably on independent platforms. 

3. Avoid personal bank transfers. Use secure payment methods like credit cards with buyer protection. 

4. Verify URLs and web security by looking for ""https"" and the lock icon in the address bar. 

5. Be cautious of urgency or unrealistic discounts which are common pressure tactics.