Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and Americans are losing more money than ever before. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), U.S. consumers lost a staggering $10 billion to scams in 2023—an increase of $1 billion from the previous year. While the number of fraud reports (2.6 million) remained consistent with 2022, the financial losses have reached a historic high.
To help consumers protect themselves from online shopping scams, experts at Scams.info have put together a list of 10 tips for spotting fake shopping sites and keeping your money and personal information safe.
What is a Fake Shopping Site?
A fake shopping website is designed by scammers to either mimic a legitimate e-commerce store or present itself as a new retailer. These sites aim to trick unsuspecting customers into providing personal details or payment information, which scammers then use for fraudulent activities. These sites often look convincing, but there are ways to tell if they are fake.
10 Easy Steps to Spot a Fake Shopping Site
- Too Good to Be True
If the prices on a site are unbelievably low for popular items, proceed with caution. Scammers use enticing deals to lure in victims. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. - Check the Website URL
Fake sites often have slightly altered URLs, mimicking legitimate retailers. Look for misspellings, extra hyphens, or added words in the domain name to spot a scam. - Look for HTTPS and the Padlock Icon
Legitimate websites use HTTPS encryption to protect your personal information. Make sure the site has a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates a secure connection. - Check Customer Reviews
Look for reviews from other customers on trusted platforms like Trustpilot. If there are overwhelmingly negative reviews or no reviews at all, it’s a sign the site could be a fake. - Review the Design and Quality
Fake shopping sites may have poor design, broken links, pixelated images, or low-quality graphics. Genuine retailers invest in professional design and functionality. - Search for Contact Information
Authentic shopping sites provide clear contact information, including an email, phone number, or physical address. If this information is missing or difficult to find, it’s a red flag. - Look for Trust Seals and Certifications
Trusted websites often display certifications from reputable organizations like VeriSign or TRUSTe. Be sure to verify these seals are legitimate by clicking on them. - Beware of Poor Grammar and Spelling
Fake websites often contain grammatical errors, strange wording, or spelling mistakes. A lack of professionalism in the writing is a telltale sign of a scam. - Check Payment Methods
Legitimate retailers offer multiple secure payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, or trusted payment gateways. If a site only accepts wire transfers or cryptocurrency, be cautious. - Use Verification Tools
There are several online tools and browser extensions available that can analyze domain registration information and SSL certificate validity to help you verify if a website is real.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Nicholas Crouch from Scams.info advises that quick action is crucial if you believe you’ve fallen victim to an online scam:
“By staying vigilant and following these 10 tips, you can protect yourself from fake shopping sites and other online scams. If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act fast. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud and dispute the transaction. Also, report the scam to the appropriate authorities. The Gov website provides resources for reporting scams, which can help prevent others from becoming victims.”