Money and Data Theft: How to Protect Yourself from Serious Scams When Shopping Online

Fake stores, phishing, and identity theft—find out how to avoid falling for scams.

Shopping online has become the preferred choice for many, as it is convenient and often cheaper than buying from physical stores. However, this form of commerce is not without risks, and there are various types of scams you could be exposed to.

One of the most common problems is fake online stores that mimic the websites of fashion or electronics brands so well that they are difficult to distinguish from the real ones at first glance. These sites often feature promotions designed to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. The problem is that the items you receive are poor-quality copies, or you may not receive your order at all.

• To protect yourself, always check the URL of the site or simply search for the brand or official store name in a search engine to see if there are any discrepancies in the catalog or prices.

Another red flag is many promising reviews about a product on fake stores and shopping platforms. These reviews are often fabricated to build consumer trust, with no authentic purchases behind them.

• To spot fake reviews, check that not all reviews are recent, look for differences in writing styles, and, preferably, choose reviews with photos showing the product or how it works.

Another strategy used by online criminals is phishing—sending emails or messages that appear to come from a legitimate store or service provider with an offer or situation that needs immediate resolution. They then ask for your personal and banking information to commit fraud.

• Be wary of unexpected emails that ask for personal information or suggest urgent action. Always carefully check the URL of websites before entering sensitive data. To further protect yourself, use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your email and banking apps. If a site seems suspicious, do not enter your data or subscribe to any mailing lists before thoroughly checking the website.

If a fake store has scammed you, contact your bank immediately to stop the payment and report the site as fraudulent. Depending on when the transfer was made, it may still be possible to reverse it. Keep all receipts and communication documents, and file a police report. Even if you have taken all precautions and still fallen victim to scammers, there may be ways to recover your money.