Online shopping scams are fraudulent practices carried out by cybercriminals to deceive unsuspecting customers into paying for goods or services that don't exist, are counterfeit, or will never be delivered. As e-commerce continues to grow, so does the sophistication and prevalence of these scams, especially during high-traffic shopping seasons like the holidays!
Scammers often set up fake stores or listings on popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, or even on trusted online marketplaces. They lure customers with attractive holiday deals, flash sales, or limited-time offers. Once payment is received, they often disappear without delivering the promised goods or services.
Scammers create convincing listings for high-demand products at significantly lower prices. These items, however, are usually counterfeit, of poor quality, or not as described.
The scammer takes payment but never ships the product. They might provide fake shipping information or delay delivery times until it's too late for the customer to dispute the charges.
Take a look at this example of a 'missed delivery notice' email scam to understand what it looks like.
Scammers mimic legitimate websites or send emails posing as reputable companies to steal personal information or financial details. Delve into the depths of phishing for a comprehensive understanding.
Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and informed to enjoy a safe online shopping experience.
Are you ready to learn about more scams to watch out for?