Fake Online Store Scam

A convincing but fraudulent online store, often advertised through social media, offers heavily discounted name-brand products, takes payment, and either ships nothing, a counterfeit, or a completely different item.

A scammer builds a professional-looking online store, often advertised through targeted social media ads featuring name-brand products at steep discounts, and copies real product photos and descriptions to appear legitimate. After the victim pays, the store either ships nothing at all, a cheap counterfeit, or an entirely different item, and by the time the victim tries to dispute the charge or contact customer service, the store's contact information is fake or unresponsive, and the site may disappear entirely.

• Prices are dramatically lower than any other retailer for the same brand-name item.
• The store was discovered through a social media ad rather than a search or direct visit.
• No verifiable physical address or working customer service contact.
• Checkout only accepts unusual payment methods like wire transfer or cryptocurrency.

• Search the store name plus "scam" or "reviews" before ordering.
• Be cautious of prices that are dramatically lower than anywhere else.
• Pay with a credit card rather than a debit card or wire transfer for purchase protection.
• Check for a real physical address and working customer service contact.