Low riskOnline Shopping Scams

Dropshipping Scam

A store, often advertised on social media, sells cheap overseas goods at a large markup and ships them slowly from a low-cost supplier. Items can arrive late, look nothing like the photos, or be poor quality, with refunds made difficult.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Low risk
Scam type
Markup resale scam
Main red flag
A flashy social media store selling a 'must-have' item at a big markup with vague shipping times and no real company details.
What to do first
Before buying, search the product image and the store name to check whether the same item sells far cheaper elsewhere.

What this scam usually looks like

A store, often advertised on social media, sells cheap overseas goods at a large markup and ships them slowly from a low-cost supplier. Items can arrive late, look nothing like the photos, or be poor quality, with refunds made difficult.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'FLASH SALE - 70% OFF today only! This viral gadget is selling out fast. Order now: [unfamiliar link]. Ships worldwide. Limited stock!'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A heavily marketed social media ad pushing a single 'viral' product at urgent discount
  • Prices far above what the same item sells for on large marketplaces
  • Vague or very long delivery estimates, sometimes hidden at checkout
  • Stock photos that appear on many unrelated stores selling the same item
  • No clear company address, returns address, or working contact details

What to do

  • Reverse image search the product photo to find the original, cheaper listing
  • Look up independent reviews of the store name before paying
  • Read the refund and returns policy in full, including who pays return postage
  • Pay with a method that offers buyer protection, such as a credit card or PayPal

If you already clicked or replied

  • Browsing the store alone is usually harmless, so there is no need to panic
  • If you ordered and the item is wrong or very late, open a dispute through your payment provider
  • Keep screenshots of the listing, order confirmation, and any messages
  • Leave an honest review to warn other shoppers

What not to do

  • Do not be rushed by countdown timers or 'almost sold out' warnings
  • Do not pay by bank transfer or gift card, which offer little protection
  • Do not assume a polished website means the store is reliable

Similar scams

High risk Online Shopping

Fake Online Store Scam

This scam sets up a convincing but fake store with very low prices, takes payment, and delivers nothing, a counterfeit, or a cheap substitute.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Social Media Shopping Ad Scam

This scam uses eye-catching, heavily discounted product ads in social media feeds to lure you to fake or dishonest online stores that take your payment and deliver nothing, or send a cheap counterfeit instead.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Knockoff Brand Store Scam

This scam runs a website posing as an official brand outlet or 'clearance' store. It sells counterfeit goods, or takes your payment for heavily discounted items and never ships anything genuine.

Frequently asked questions

Is dropshipping itself a scam?
No. Dropshipping is a legal way to sell goods without holding stock. The problem is deceptive stores that hide long shipping times, inflate prices, or misrepresent quality to push impulse buys.
Why did my order take so long to arrive?
Many of these stores ship directly from low-cost overseas suppliers, which can take weeks. Genuine sellers state realistic delivery times up front rather than burying them at checkout.
The item looks nothing like the photo. What can I do?
Contact the seller first with photos. If they refuse a fair refund, open a dispute through your card provider or PayPal, who may help recover the payment.
How can I spot a deceptive store before buying?
Search the product image and store name, check independent reviews, and look for a real address and contact details. Big markups on viral items with vague shipping are common warning signs.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.