Online shopping continues to grow rapidly in 2026, but so do digital fraud and ecommerce scams. Cybercriminals now use AI-generated websites, fake reviews, cloned payment pages, and social-media advertisements to trick buyers into sharing money or personal information.

Understanding how modern online shopping scams work is the first step toward protecting yourself. This guide explains the most common online shopping fraud tactics and provides practical, easy-to-follow safety tips for secure online purchasing.

Quick Overview: Common Online Shopping Scams

Fake ecommerce websites
Social media discount scams
Marketplace payment fraud
QR-code phishing attacks
Fake refund and cashback messages
Delivery and courier scams
Counterfeit product listings
AI-generated fake reviews
Subscription traps
Seasonal sale fraud

1. Fake Online Shopping Websites

Fraudsters create professional-looking ecommerce websites that copy real brands. These sites often advertise massive discounts to attract quick purchases.

After payment, customers either receive counterfeit items or nothing at all. Many fake websites disappear within days.

Warning Signs:

Unusual domain names
No verified contact information
Extremely low prices

How to Stay Safe:

Check website URLs carefully
Search reviews before purchasing
Buy from verified sellers only

2. Social Media Shopping Scams

Scammers promote unrealistic deals through Instagram, Facebook, and short-video platforms using sponsored ads that mimic legitimate stores.

Payments requested through direct messages or external apps are a major red flag.

Safety Tip:

If a deal looks unbelievably cheap, assume risk and verify independently.

3. Fake Marketplace Listings

Online classified platforms are frequently used for payment scams. Fraudsters convince buyers to transfer money outside the platform’s secure system.

Avoid advance payments
Use official payment channels only
Never share OTP or banking details

4. Subscription and Free Trial Traps

Some websites offer free trials that automatically convert into paid subscriptions. Cancellation processes are intentionally difficult.

Always read billing terms before entering card details.

5. QR Code Payment Scams

Fake QR codes redirect users to phishing payment pages or trigger unauthorized UPI payment requests.

Best Practice:

Scan QR codes only from trusted sources and verify the payment receiver name before confirming transactions.

6. Fake Refund or Cashback Messages

Scammers send messages claiming refunds or cashback offers after purchases. Clicking these links leads to phishing pages requesting OTPs or card information.

Always access refunds through official apps instead of message links.

7. Counterfeit Products Sold as Original

Third-party sellers may list fake branded products using stolen images and manipulated reviews.

Check seller ratings
Verify warranty eligibility
Avoid unknown sellers offering heavy discounts

8. Delivery and Courier Scams

Fake delivery agents contact buyers claiming additional fees or customs charges are required for delivery.

Legitimate courier companies rarely request payments through random links or personal numbers.

9. AI-Generated Fake Reviews and Stores

AI tools now allow scammers to generate thousands of realistic reviews and clone entire online stores.

Look for inconsistent information, new domain registrations, or missing customer service details.

10. Seasonal Sale and Festival Scams

During major sale seasons and festivals, fake banners and countdown offers create urgency to force impulsive purchases.

Always visit official websites directly instead of clicking promotional ads.

General Online Shopping Safety Tips

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication
Prefer credit cards or protected payment methods
Avoid deals that pressure immediate payment
Verify seller authenticity before buying
Never share OTP, CVV, or UPI PIN

What To Do If You Are Scammed Online

Immediately block your card or payment account
Change passwords across linked accounts
Report the fraud to your bank and cybercrime authorities
Keep screenshots and transaction records as evidence