High riskOnline 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.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Fake retailer scam
Main red flag
Unrealistically low prices on a new store with only risky payment options.
What to do first
Research the store before paying, and prefer payment methods with buyer protection.

Understanding this 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.

Online shopping scams use fake stores, unbelievable deals, and counterfeit or never-delivered goods to take your money and card details. Fake sites often surface through ads and social media and pressure you with limited-time offers.

If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: Unrealistically low prices on a new store with only risky payment options. Research the store before paying, and prefer payment methods with buyer protection.

If your message looks slightly different, check the Fake Subscription Renewal Email or the Fake Amazon Order Email, both are close cousins of this pattern. Every related guide lives in the Online Shopping Scams guides, and the scam checker can scan the text you received.

A typical example

Example pattern, not a real report
Example pattern: 'CLOSING DOWN SALE - 80% off everything today only! Limited stock, order now before it's gone: [unfamiliar store link]'

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.

The tell here: Unrealistically low prices on a new store with only risky payment options.

What the data shows

Top category
online shopping is one of the most-reported fraud categories to the FTC
Source: US Federal Trade Commission
$1.4B
reported lost to fraud that started on social media in 2023, where many fake shops advertise
Source: US Federal Trade Commission

Warning signs

  • Prices far below normal for popular brands
  • A brand-new website with no genuine reviews or address
  • Only wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency accepted
  • Countdown timers and 'almost sold out' pressure
  • Poor grammar, copied images, or missing contact details

Your safest response

  • Search the store name with words like 'scam' or 'review'
  • Check how long the website has existed and look for real contact details
  • Prefer payment methods that offer buyer protection
  • Walk away if anything feels rushed or unclear

If you have already engaged

  • Stop before entering card details if anything seems off
  • Contact your bank or card provider to dispute a payment if you already paid
  • Change your password if you created an account with a reused password
  • Keep records of the order and any messages

What to avoid

  • Do not pay by wire transfer, gift card, or crypto for online shopping
  • Do not ignore the lack of reviews or contact details
  • Do not enter card details on a site you cannot verify

You might also see

Medium risk Email

Fake Subscription Renewal Email

This scam emails that a subscription is renewing for a large amount, hoping you call a fake support number or click a link to cancel and hand over details.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Email

Fake Amazon Order Email

This scam emails a fake order confirmation for an expensive item, hoping you click a link or call a number to dispute a charge you never made.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team
Medium risk Social Media

Fake Giveaway Scam

This scam tells you that you won a prize or giveaway, then asks for a fee, your login, or personal details to 'claim' it.

Created by Scam or Safe Editorial Team

Questions people ask

How can I check if an online store is legitimate?
Look for a real contact address, search the store name with 'review' or 'scam', and check how long the domain has existed. Be wary if only risky payment methods are offered.
Why are the prices so low?
Very low prices are bait. The goal is to make you act quickly before you research the store or notice missing details.
I paid and nothing arrived. What can I do?
Contact your bank or card provider to dispute the charge, keep all records, and report the store to consumer protection authorities.
Are social media ads for stores safe?
Ads are not vetted guarantees of legitimacy. Treat unfamiliar stores from ads with the same caution and research them before buying.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Written & reviewed by the

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.