Most Common Online Shopping Scams & How to Avoid Them

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Online shopping scams continue to target millions of Americans each year through fake online stores, phishing emails, counterfeit products, and fraudulent coupon offers. Learning how to identify common warning signs, verify retailers, and use secure payment methods can help you shop safely while avoiding costly scams.

Topic	Details
Article Focus	Common online shopping scams and prevention tips
Best For	U.S. online shoppers
Main Risk	Fake stores, phishing, counterfeit products, payment fraud
Safe Payment Methods	Credit cards, trusted digital wallets
Best Prevention	Verify retailers before purchasing
Updated	July 2026

Why Online Shopping Safety Matters

Online shopping has become part of everyday life for millions of Americans. Whether you’re buying electronics, clothing, beauty products, home essentials, or holiday gifts, shopping online offers convenience and competitive prices. Unfortunately, scammers know this and constantly develop new ways to trick shoppers into sharing personal information or paying for products that never arrive.

Many scams appear convincing because fraudulent websites now use professional designs, fake customer reviews, and copied product images from legitimate retailers. Some even advertise through social media or search engine ads, making it difficult for shoppers to tell the difference between genuine businesses and scam websites.

The good news is that most online shopping scams can be avoided by recognizing common warning signs and following safe shopping practices. This guide explains the most common scams affecting U.S. shoppers and shares practical steps to help protect your money and personal information.

What Is an Online Shopping Scam?

An online shopping scam is a fraudulent scheme designed to convince consumers to purchase products from fake websites, disclose sensitive information, or make payments that benefit criminals instead of legitimate businesses.

Scammers may create fake online stores, send phishing emails, advertise unrealistic discounts, or impersonate trusted brands. Their goal is usually one or more of the following:

Steal payment information
Collect personal data
Sell counterfeit products
Deliver low-quality items
Never ship purchased products
Install malware through fake websites

Unlike traditional retail fraud, online shopping scams can target thousands of people simultaneously, making them one of the fastest-growing forms of consumer fraud.

Why Online Shopping Scams Continue to Increase

Several factors contribute to the rise in online shopping fraud across the United States.

More People Shop Online

Millions of Americans purchase products online every week. As online shopping grows, scammers have more opportunities to target consumers looking for deals, limited-time offers, or hard-to-find products.

Professional-Looking Fake Websites

Years ago, scam websites were often easy to recognize because they looked poorly designed. Today, fraudulent websites frequently copy legitimate online stores, making them appear trustworthy at first glance.

They may include:

Product photos
Customer reviews
Professional logos
Secure-looking checkout pages
Fake trust badges

These tactics make shoppers feel comfortable entering payment information.

Social Media Advertising

Scammers increasingly promote fake stores through sponsored advertisements on social media platforms. Attractive product photos combined with extremely low prices encourage impulse purchases before shoppers research the seller.

Artificial Intelligence

AI tools now help criminals generate convincing product descriptions, fake customer service responses, and realistic-looking marketing materials, making scam websites more difficult to identify.

Most Common Online Shopping Scams

Understanding how these scams work is the first step toward avoiding them.

1. Fake Online Stores

One of the most common online shopping scams involves completely fake ecommerce websites.

These sites often advertise products at prices far below market value to attract buyers.

Common examples include:

Brand-name shoes for 80% off
New smartphones for half price
Luxury handbags at unrealistic discounts
Gaming consoles below retail value

After receiving payment, scammers may:

Never ship anything
Send counterfeit products
Deliver completely different items
Stop responding to customers

Warning Signs

Extremely low prices
No company information
Poor grammar
No customer support
No return policy
Recently created website

2. Fake Marketplace Sellers

Popular online marketplaces allow third-party sellers to list products.

While most sellers are legitimate, scammers sometimes create fake accounts that disappear after receiving payment.

They may:

List products they don’t own
Use stolen product photos
Sell counterfeit merchandise
Request payment outside the marketplace

Never leave the official checkout process when purchasing through online marketplaces.

3. Phishing Shopping Scams

Another growing threat involves phishing shopping scams.

These scams typically begin with an email or text message claiming:

Your package couldn’t be delivered.
Your payment failed.
Your account needs verification.
Your order has been canceled.
A refund is waiting.

The message includes a fraudulent link directing users to fake login pages.

Once shoppers enter usernames, passwords, or payment details, criminals steal the information.

Common Examples

Fake delivery notifications
Fake retailer account alerts
Fake order confirmations
Fake refund requests

Always visit a retailer’s website directly instead of clicking unexpected links.

4. Fake Coupon Websites

Everyone enjoys saving money, making coupon scams particularly effective.

Some fake coupon websites advertise impossible discounts simply to collect:

Email addresses
Credit card information
Personal information

Others require users to complete surveys before revealing “exclusive” coupon codes that never actually work.

Some even install malware through downloadable browser extensions.

Safe Coupon Tips

Look for:

Verified offers
Trusted coupon sources
Active expiration dates
Clearly explained terms

Avoid websites promising unrealistic discounts like “100% off every order.”

5. Counterfeit Product Scams

Counterfeit products have become increasingly sophisticated.

Instead of receiving genuine products, shoppers receive fake versions that imitate:

Electronics
Designer clothing
Beauty products
Supplements
Shoes
Watches

Counterfeit items often have:

Poor packaging
Low-quality materials
Missing warranties
Different serial numbers

Besides financial loss, counterfeit health and beauty products can pose safety risks.

Fake Discount Scams

Many fraudulent websites rely on unbelievable discounts to create urgency.

Examples include:

90% off laptops
Designer handbags for $40
Premium smartphones for $150
Luxury watches under $100

These prices often encourage shoppers to make quick decisions without verifying the retailer.

A legitimate retailer may offer seasonal promotions, but consistently unrealistic discounts deserve extra scrutiny.

Warning Signs Every Shopper Should Know

Recognizing suspicious behavior before completing a purchase can prevent many scams.

Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True

If one website sells an expensive product for a fraction of its normal price, investigate carefully before buying.

Scammers know bargain hunters may overlook warning signs when they believe they’re getting an exceptional deal.

Missing Contact Information

Legitimate retailers usually provide:

Business address
Phone number
Email support
Customer service information

Fake stores often hide this information or provide non-working contact details.

Poor Website Quality

Common indicators include:

Broken links
Spelling mistakes
Generic product descriptions
Blurry images
Duplicate content

While not every small business has a perfect website, multiple quality issues should raise concerns.

Limited Payment Options

Be cautious if a website only accepts:

Wire transfers
Cryptocurrency
Gift cards
Peer-to-peer payments

These payment methods usually provide little or no consumer protection.

Trusted retailers generally accept major credit cards and secure payment services.

Pressure to Buy Immediately

Scammers frequently create urgency.

Examples include:

Only 2 left!
Sale ends in 10 minutes!
Buy now before it’s gone forever!

Limited-time promotions are common in retail, but excessive pressure should encourage shoppers to slow down and verify the offer.

How to Verify an Online Store Before Buying

One of the best ways to stay safe is learning how to verify an online store before buying.

Before placing an order, check the following:

Review the Website Carefully

Look for:

Professional design
Clear policies
Complete contact information
Business transparency

Read Customer Reviews

Search beyond the retailer’s own website.

Independent reviews often reveal:

Shipping experiences
Product quality
Customer service
Refund experiences

Focus on consistent patterns rather than one or two individual complaints.

Check Website Security

Before entering payment information:

Look for HTTPS in the address bar.
Confirm the browser displays a secure connection.
Avoid entering payment details on unsecured websites.

A secure connection doesn’t guarantee legitimacy, but reputable online retailers typically encrypt customer data.

Research the Company

Search the retailer’s name together with phrases like:

Reviews
Complaints
Scam
Customer service

This simple step may reveal recurring issues reported by previous customers.

DealsZo Shopping Tip

Before making an online purchase, compare available promotions, discounts, and verified offers from reliable sources instead of choosing the first deal you find.

Fake Delivery Notification Scams

One of the fastest-growing scams targets people who regularly shop online. Criminals send fake emails or text messages claiming there is a problem with a package delivery.

These messages often appear to come from well-known shipping companies or retailers. They may include company logos, tracking numbers, and professional formatting to make the message look legitimate.

Common messages include:

Your package could not be delivered.
Your delivery is waiting for confirmation.
Pay a small delivery fee to receive your package.
Your order has been delayed.
Verify your shipping address.

Clicking the provided link may lead to a fake website designed to steal login credentials or payment information.

How to Stay Safe

Track packages through the retailer’s official website or shipping app.
Avoid clicking links in unexpected text messages or emails.
Type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser.
Ignore requests for small “redelivery fees” unless verified through the official carrier.

Social Media Shopping Scams

Social media platforms have become popular places for discovering new brands and products. Unfortunately, scammers also use these platforms to promote fake stores and counterfeit products.

A typical scam starts with an attractive advertisement offering huge discounts on popular items.

Examples include:

Outdoor furniture for 80% off
Designer handbags at clearance prices
Premium fitness equipment for unusually low prices
Trending beauty products with unbelievable discounts

After payment, customers may receive nothing, a counterfeit item, or a product that looks nothing like the advertisement.

Warning Signs

Newly created business pages
Few genuine customer interactions
No business address
Poor grammar in advertisements
Unrealistic prices
Comments disabled on posts

Before purchasing from a social media ad, research the retailer independently.

Online Marketplace Fraud

Large online marketplaces offer millions of products from third-party sellers. While many sellers are trustworthy, fraudulent listings occasionally appear.

Scammers may:

Copy legitimate product photos
List expensive products at unusually low prices
Request payment outside the marketplace
Ship counterfeit merchandise
Provide fake tracking numbers

Shop More Safely

Buy from highly rated sellers.
Read recent customer reviews.
Avoid communicating outside the marketplace.
Never pay using gift cards or wire transfers.
Report suspicious listings immediately.

Subscription Trap Scams

Some online stores advertise products at extremely low prices but automatically enroll customers in expensive monthly subscriptions.

Examples include:

Beauty boxes
Health supplements
Skin care products
Fitness programs
Coffee subscriptions

The checkout page may hide recurring charges in small print.

Warning Signs

“Free trial” offers requiring a credit card
Automatic renewal policies
Difficult cancellation procedures
Missing billing details

Always review the checkout page carefully before completing your purchase.

Counterfeit Brand Websites

Some scammers create websites that closely imitate well-known brands.

These fake websites often:

Copy logos
Use similar web addresses
Reproduce official product images
Duplicate product descriptions

The goal is to convince shoppers they are purchasing directly from a trusted retailer.

How to Verify a Website

Before buying:

Double-check the website address.
Look for spelling differences in the domain name.
Visit the retailer through its official homepage instead of clicking advertisements.
Compare contact information with official sources.

Fake Customer Support Scams

Some scammers pretend to represent customer service departments.

They may contact shoppers through:

Phone calls
Emails
Live chat
Social media messages

They often claim:

Your order has a problem.
Your payment failed.
A refund requires account verification.
Additional information is needed.

These conversations usually end with requests for passwords, verification codes, or payment information.

Legitimate companies rarely ask customers to share passwords or one-time security codes.

Credit Card and Payment Scams

Payment fraud remains one of the biggest online shopping risks.

Criminals may steal payment information through:

Fake checkout pages
Malware
Phishing emails
Data breaches
Unsecured websites

Once card details are stolen, unauthorized purchases may follow quickly.

Secure Online Payment Methods

Using secure online payment methods greatly reduces shopping risks.

Credit Cards

Credit cards typically offer:

Fraud monitoring
Chargeback protection
Dispute resolution
Zero-liability policies for unauthorized purchases (subject to issuer terms)

This makes them one of the safest payment options for online shopping.

Trusted Digital Wallets

Digital wallets provide an additional layer of security because they reduce how often your payment details are shared directly with merchants.

Benefits include:

Encrypted transactions
Faster checkout
Reduced exposure of card information
Built-in authentication features

Avoid Risky Payment Requests

Be cautious when a seller insists on:

Gift cards
Cryptocurrency
Wire transfers
Cash transfer apps for unknown sellers

These payment methods generally offer little or no buyer protection once funds are sent.

Holiday Shopping Scams

Scam activity often increases during major shopping seasons.

Popular events include:

Black Friday
Cyber Monday
Christmas shopping
Back-to-school sales
Prime Day
Memorial Day sales

High demand and limited-time offers encourage impulse buying, making shoppers more vulnerable.

Holiday Shopping Tips

Compare prices before purchasing.
Avoid panic buying.
Verify limited-time offers.
Shop from trusted retailers.
Watch for fake countdown timers.

Fake Coupon and Promo Code Scams

Many scammers exploit shoppers searching for discounts.

They advertise:

Exclusive promo codes
Secret discounts
Employee pricing
Unlimited coupons

Some websites require users to:

Install browser extensions
Complete surveys
Share personal information
Create unnecessary accounts

In many cases, the promised coupon never works.

How to Find Legitimate Online Discounts

Instead of clicking random coupon links:

Compare offers from trusted deal websites.
Check retailer promotion pages.
Review coupon expiration dates.
Read offer terms before purchasing.

How to Shop Safely During Flash Sales

Flash sales can offer genuine savings, but they also attract scammers.

Before purchasing:

Compare Prices

A legitimate discount usually aligns with pricing offered by other major retailers.

If one website advertises a product for dramatically less than everyone else, investigate further.

Read the Return Policy

A trustworthy retailer clearly explains:

Return windows
Refund process
Exchange policy
Shipping responsibilities

Missing or vague return information should raise concerns.

Check Shipping Details

Reliable stores provide:

Estimated delivery dates
Shipping costs
Tracking information
Customer support

Scam websites often provide little or no shipping information.

Expert Tips for Safe Online Shopping

Shopping safely doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge. A few smart habits can significantly reduce your risk.

Compare Before You Buy

Never purchase from the first website you find.

Compare:

Price
Seller reputation
Return policy
Customer reviews
Shipping information

Use Strong Passwords

Protect shopping accounts with:

Unique passwords
Password managers
Multi-factor authentication when available

Avoid reusing passwords across multiple websites.

Monitor Financial Statements

Review your bank and credit card statements regularly.

Look for:

Small unauthorized charges
Unknown merchants
Duplicate transactions

Reporting suspicious activity quickly can help limit losses.

Keep Devices Updated

Software updates often include important security improvements.

Update regularly:

Web browsers
Smartphones
Computers
Shopping apps
Antivirus software

Common Mistakes That Make Shopping Riskier

Many scams succeed because shoppers act quickly without verifying important details.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Buying Based Only on Price

The lowest price isn’t always the best value.

Extremely cheap products may indicate:

Counterfeit goods
Fake websites
Non-delivery scams

Ignoring Customer Reviews

Reviews can reveal recurring issues such as:

Poor product quality
Slow shipping
Refund problems
Fake merchandise

Look for balanced, recent feedback from multiple sources.

Shopping on Public Wi-Fi

Avoid entering payment information while connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

If necessary, use a trusted mobile connection or a secure virtual private network (VPN).

Sharing Too Much Personal Information

Only provide information necessary to complete your purchase.

Be cautious if a retailer requests:

Social Security numbers
Unnecessary identification documents
Excessive personal details

Safe Shopping Checklist

Before placing any online order, ask yourself:

Does the website look professional?
Is the retailer well known or well reviewed?
Are contact details clearly listed?
Is the connection secure (HTTPS)?
Does the return policy make sense?
Are payment options secure?
Have I compared prices elsewhere?
Do customer reviews appear authentic?

If several answers raise concerns, consider purchasing from another retailer.

DealsZo Shopping Reminder

Finding a low price is only one part of shopping wisely. Comparing verified promotions, understanding retailer policies, and confirming that an offer is genuine can help reduce the risk of scams while maximizing savings.

Comparison Table: Common Online Shopping Scams

Scam Type	How It Works	Biggest Warning Sign	How to Avoid It
Fake Online Store	Creates a fraudulent website to collect payments	Prices far below market value	Verify the retailer and read independent reviews
Phishing Email	Tricks shoppers into entering login or payment details	Unexpected emails asking you to verify an account	Visit the retailer’s website directly instead of clicking links
Fake Coupon Website	Promises unrealistic discounts to collect personal data	“100% Off” or impossible coupon offers	Use trusted deal websites and verify coupon terms
Counterfeit Products	Sells imitation products as genuine brands	Poor-quality images or vague product descriptions	Buy from authorized retailers or reputable sellers
Marketplace Fraud	Fake third-party sellers list products they don’t have	New seller with few or suspicious reviews	Purchase from established sellers with positive ratings
Fake Delivery Scam	Claims a package requires payment or verification	Unexpected shipping fee requests	Track packages through official shipping companies
Subscription Trap	Signs shoppers up for recurring charges	Hidden billing terms or free trials requiring payment	Read the checkout page and cancellation policy carefully
Social Media Scam	Fake advertisements promote unrealistic deals	New business pages with limited information	Research the retailer before purchasing

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Shop Safely Online

Following a simple process before every purchase can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of online shopping fraud.

Step 1: Research the Retailer

Spend a few minutes learning about the seller before placing an order.

Look for:

Business history
Customer reviews
Contact information
Return policy
Social media presence

A legitimate business is usually transparent about who they are and how customers can reach them.

Step 2: Compare Prices

Finding a bargain is exciting, but comparing prices helps determine whether an offer is realistic.

If one website lists a product for hundreds of dollars less than every other retailer, investigate further before purchasing.

Remember:

Good deals exist.

Impossible deals usually don’t.

Step 3: Verify Website Security

Before entering personal information, confirm that the website uses a secure connection.

Look for:

HTTPS in the website address
A secure browser connection
Professional checkout pages

Although HTTPS alone doesn’t guarantee a trustworthy retailer, it is an important security feature.

Step 4: Read Policies Carefully

Review the retailer’s:

Shipping policy
Return policy
Refund policy
Privacy policy

Clear policies often indicate a legitimate business.

Step 5: Use Secure Payment Methods

Whenever possible, pay with:

Credit cards
Trusted digital wallets

These payment methods generally offer better consumer protections than wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments.

Step 6: Save Your Order Information

After completing a purchase, keep:

Order confirmation
Invoice
Tracking number
Payment receipt
Customer support information

These records are valuable if you need to dispute a charge or request assistance.

What to Do If You Become a Victim of an Online Shopping Scam

Even careful shoppers can occasionally encounter fraudulent websites. Acting quickly can reduce financial losses and improve the chances of resolving the issue.

Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Issuer

If payment information may have been compromised:

Report the suspicious transaction immediately.
Request a chargeback if appropriate.
Ask about replacing your payment card if necessary.
Continue monitoring your account for unauthorized activity.

Change Your Passwords

If you entered login credentials on a suspicious website:

Change the password immediately.
Update any other accounts using the same password.
Enable multi-factor authentication whenever available.

Contact the Retailer

If you believe the issue may be a misunderstanding rather than fraud:

Contact customer service.
Keep records of all communications.
Request written confirmation of any resolution.

Report the Scam

Reporting scams helps protect other shoppers and supports investigations into fraudulent activity.

Keep copies of:

Emails
Receipts
Screenshots
Website addresses
Order confirmations

These details can be useful when reporting suspicious activity or disputing transactions.

Expert Tips for Smarter Online Shopping

Shopping safely is about building good habits rather than reacting after a problem occurs.

Shop With a Plan

Avoid making purchases simply because a countdown timer or “limited stock” message creates urgency.

Take a few minutes to compare prices, verify the retailer, and read reviews.

Be Careful With New Online Stores

Many legitimate businesses are new, but it’s still wise to do some research before buying from an unfamiliar retailer.

Look for:

Real customer feedback
Clear business information
Transparent policies
Secure payment options

Keep Software Updated

Regular updates improve the security of:

Computers
Smartphones
Tablets
Browsers
Shopping apps

Updated software helps protect against known security vulnerabilities.

Watch for Seasonal Scams

Fraud tends to increase during major shopping events such as:

Black Friday
Cyber Monday
Prime Day
Christmas sales
Back-to-school promotions

Scammers take advantage of increased shopping activity and consumers looking for fast deals.

Common Questions About Online Shopping Safety

1. What is the most common online shopping scam?

Fake online stores remain one of the most common scams. These websites accept payments but either never ship products or send counterfeit or incorrect items.

2. How can I tell if an online store is legitimate?

Check for secure website connections, clear contact information, transparent return policies, and independent customer reviews before making a purchase.

3. Are extremely low prices always a scam?

Not necessarily. Retailers may offer genuine discounts during sales events, but prices that are dramatically lower than every other seller deserve additional research before buying.

4. Is it safer to pay with a credit card?

Credit cards generally provide stronger fraud protection and dispute options than many other payment methods, making them a safer choice for online purchases.

5. Should I trust online advertisements?

Advertisements can promote both legitimate retailers and fraudulent websites. Always research the business before purchasing, regardless of where you found the advertisement.

6. How can I avoid fake coupon websites?

Use trusted deal platforms, verify coupon expiration dates, and avoid websites that require unnecessary personal information or unrealistic promises before revealing a discount.

7. What should I do if I clicked a suspicious shopping link?

Avoid entering personal information. If you already provided payment or account details, contact your financial institution, change your passwords, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

8. Can scam websites look professional?

Yes. Many fraudulent websites now use high-quality designs, copied product images, and convincing marketing content. That’s why researching the retailer is just as important as evaluating the website itself.

Final Recommendation

Online shopping offers convenience, competitive prices, and access to countless products, but it also requires shoppers to stay alert. Understanding the most common online shopping scams, recognizing warning signs, and following safe shopping habits can significantly reduce the risk of fraud.

Before making any purchase, take a few extra minutes to verify the retailer, compare prices, read independent reviews, and choose a secure payment method. These simple steps can help protect your personal information and your money.

If you’re searching for discounts, remember that the lowest advertised price isn’t always the safest option. Choosing verified offers from reputable sources is often the smarter long-term decision.

Tip: Get verified deals in DealsZo, per day updates. Compare current promotions, discounts, and shopping offers before making your purchase to help shop with greater confidence.

References

For the latest guidance on online shopping safety and consumer protection, consult reputable organizations such as: