ScamAlert
Back to Learn
Global

Online Shopping Scam

Fake e-commerce websites, too-good-to-be-true deals, and sellers who never deliver products.

How This Scam Works

  1. 1Fake website mimics a popular brand or retailer
  2. 2Products are listed at extremely low prices
  3. 3You pay via UPI, bank transfer, or card
  4. 4Product never arrives or is vastly different from what was shown
  5. 5Customer support is unreachable

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Prices that are 70-90% below market value
  • No or very few customer reviews
  • Domain registered recently
  • No physical address or contact phone number
  • Only accepts bank transfer or UPI (no buyer protection)

What to Do If You're a Victim

  • Check the website domain carefully for misspellings
  • Research the site before purchasing
  • Use payment methods with buyer protection (credit card, PayPal)
  • Report fake sites to Google Safe Browsing

Related Scam Types

Phishing

Fake emails, SMS, and websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, and personal information.

Identity Theft

Stealing personal information to open fraudulent accounts, file fake tax returns, or make unauthorized transactions.

Check a Message with AIReport a Scam