WHAT IS AN Online Purchase Scam?

Victims of this scam are often tempted by what seems like a good deal for a gadget, amusement park or concert tickets sold online. They transfer payment to the "seller" who promises delivery of the item. In some cases, sellers demand further payment for duties or delivery charges after the first payment is made. Ultimately, the victim never receives the item.

OF CASES REPORTED

$

WORTH OF MONEY LOST

What to look out for
How to protect yourself

People selling items at prices that sound too good to be true
If the seller does not provide enough information about their business or terms and conditions upfront

Bear in mind that you are dealing with a stranger online. Before performing a transaction on an online shopping site, find out how the site safeguards your interests or can help you solve disputes
If advance payments are required, use shopping platforms that

People selling items at prices that sound too good to be true
If the seller does not provide enough information about their business or terms and conditions upfront

Read Less

People selling items at prices that sound too good to be true
If the seller does not provide enough information about their business or terms and conditions upfront

Bear in mind that you are dealing with a stranger online. Before performing a transaction on an online shopping site, find out how the site safeguards your interests or can help you solve disputes
If advance payments are required, use shopping platforms that provide arrangements to release payment to the seller only upon receipt of the item
Only transact with people you trust
Check the seller's track record by reading reviews of their services or contacting previous customers. Do, however, remember that reviews can be faked. Scammers can buy over accounts of sellers with good ratings to aid in carrying out their scams.
Check that the seller is physically located where they claim to be
Verify the seller's identity with a phone number, if possible
Bear in mind that although culprits may provide a copy of an identification card or driver’s license, it may not necessarily belong to the person communicating with you online
Never provide bank account numbers, credit card numbers or personal information to anyone you do not trust or have not checked out beforehand
Think about the necessary information for your purchase and do not give any more than is necessary
Note that scammers may use a local bank account to enhance their credibility. It does not mean that the owner of the account is the person communicating with you
Insist on meeting up and paying only after collecting your items, especially if responding to online classified ads

Read Less

Bear in mind that you are dealing with a stranger online. Before performing a transaction on an online shopping site, find out how the site safeguards your interests or can help you solve disputes
If advance payments are required, use shopping platforms that

Have you encountered a scam?

Share your stories. Help create awareness.
Share Your Story

WHAT IS AN Online Purchase Scam?

$

What to look out for

How to protect yourself

RELATED SCAM STORIES

Scammer asked to me to make additionals payments for shipping

I lost $300 to Online Purchase scam

I lost money to Online Purchase scam

I lost $800 to Online Purchase scam

I was asked to make additional payments for my purchase

I lost $900 to Online Purchase scam

Have you encountered a scam?

Be A Pledger

About ScamAlert

Top 5 Scams

Resources

Quiz

Types of Scams

Media News

Scam Stories

Share Your Stories