Scam library
Too cheap to be true online stores
Ads for stores with huge discounts that ship fakes, junk or nothing at all.
Social interactions today5.1K
TrendSteady
Last 14 days
How much people are talking about "fake online store" online, measured by LunarCrush. Attention, not a count of victims.
What it looks like
Ad: Closing sale. Everything 90% off. Designer bags from $29. Free shipping today only. shop-example.com
Ad: We're retiring after 40 years. Our family boutique is closing. Last chance for handmade pieces at 80% off.
Ad: Brand new cordless vacuum, $39.99. Limited stock. Order now.
How it works
Scammers buy social media and search ads for websites that look like real stores, often using stolen photos. You pay, then get a cheap fake, the wrong item or nothing. Some steal your card details for later use.
Warning signs
- Prices far below anywhere else
- A store you've never heard of with a new or odd web address
- Sad closing or retirement stories
- No real contact information or return address
- Only payment by wire, gift card, payment app or crypto
If you got one of these
- Do not buy. A paid ad is not a sign of legitimacy. Anyone can buy an ad.
- Report it: tap the three dots on the ad and choose Report.
- Search the store name with the word scam or reviews.
- If you do buy online, use a credit card. It is easier to dispute.
If you already paid or shared something
- Call your card issuer and dispute the charge. Explain the item never came or was fake.
- If you paid by payment app, contact the app's support and your bank.
- Watch your card for other charges and ask for a new card if needed.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Who gets targeted
Online shoppers looking for deals, especially around holidays.
Also read: Is this website legit before I buy?