Background

• Online shopping scams target consumers looking for deals or unique products. Scammers create fake online stores, sell non-existent items, or deliver subpar goods.

How to Spot and What to Do

• Research the Seller:

  • Investigate the online store before making a purchase. Look for reviews, ratings, and customer feedback.

  • Be cautious if the website lacks contact information or has poor design.

• Secure Payment Methods:

  • Use secure payment methods (such as credit cards or PayPal) that offer buyer protection.

  • Avoid wire transfers or prepaid gift cards, as they are difficult to trace and recover.

• Check Return Policies:

  • Review the store’s return and refund policies. Legitimate sellers provide clear guidelines.

  • Be wary of sites with vague or nonexistent return policies

If you suspect you've encountered an online shopping scam, remember, ScamWiz is here to help. Upload a screenshot of the suspicious message, website, or email and get our AI-powered analysis to assess the likelihood of a scam and receive recommended actions.