Stay Safe from Online Shopping Scams and Fake Discounts
Don’t let flashy deals fool you—protect your wallet while shopping online.
Don’t let fake deals lead to fraud. Learn how to spot the warning signs of an online shopping scam and protect your money.
The Rise of Online Shopping Fraud
Online shopping makes finding the best discounts easier than ever—but it’s also created new opportunities for fraud. Scammers set up fake websites, promote unrealistic online deals, and pressure shoppers into making quick purchases. Recognizing the red flags before you buy can save you from losing both money and personal information.
The “Too Good to Be True” Discount
Imagine scrolling through social media and finding a trendy jacket marked 80% off. The ad looks polished, filled with glowing reviews and a flashing “Limited Time Offer” warning. It feels like the perfect deal.
But that kind of deep discount is often a trap. Scammers rely on “too good to be true” offers to trick shoppers into making impulse purchases. Once you click through, you’re taken to what looks like a professional site—but appearances can deceive. A fake website may copy logos, images, and layouts from real retailers to appear trustworthy.
Tip: If an online deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
When the Website Disappears
After completing your order, you receive a confirmation email promising your item will ship soon. But when you try to track it later, the website has vanished—an Error 404 message is all that’s left. The scammers have taken your payment information and disappeared.
Tip: Before entering your payment details, check that the site is legitimate. Look for “https” in the web address (the “s” means secure), read independent reviews, and search the company name with the word “scam” to see if others have reported fraud.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Scams
Avoid becoming a victim of online shopping fraud with these smart steps:
- Research before you buy. Search for reviews and verify the seller’s contact information.
- Check for secure payment options. Use credit cards or trusted payment services that offer fraud protection.
- Watch for suspicious discounts. Massive markdowns on popular items are a common scam tactic.
- Stick to reputable retailers. Avoid unfamiliar websites and only shop from brands you know and trust.
- Protect your passwords. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online shopping accounts. Never reuse the same login information across multiple sites, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection if your password is ever compromised.
Stay Smart, Shop Safe
Online shopping should make life easier—not riskier. By taking a few extra moments to verify deals and spot the signs of a fake website, you can shop with confidence and avoid falling for online shopping scams.
