The rise of user-friendly online store platforms, originally designed to simplify launching digital storefronts, has unintentionally contributed to this problem.
These scam artists have a worldwide presence, launching numerous fake stores in various languages and regions, presenting a significant challenge in identifying and shutting them down.
Online shopping scams on the rise Fake online stores pose a serious risk to consumers and are now among the top three online scams causing financial loss, as reported by entities like the FTC and the Better Business Bureau.
At Avast, we've harnessed advanced AI technology to differentiate between legitimate and fraudulent online stores.
Our investigations reveal that these counterfeit stores cover over 20 product categories, ranging from apparel and luxury items to electronics, furniture, and home and garden equipment.
How to spot a fraudulent online store Identifying fake online fashion stores is a complex task, even for those well-versed in online shopping.
To navigate this landscape safely, shoppers should be vigilant for certain warning signs of a fraudulent store.
Unbelievably low prices One common tactic used by scammers is to lure customers with extremely low prices, often under the guise of store closure sales or unbelievable clearance deals.
Widespread discounts across all products in a store should raise suspicion.
Bogus company information Before making a purchase from a store lacking third-party reviews, do some detective work.
Verify if the store provides a contact number and check its legitimacy.
A legitimate store will transparently display operational information, including physical location and contact methods.
Unusual payment methods When shopping online, avoid stores that insist on unconventional payment methods such as wire transfers, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards.
A store may claim that all products are locally made and shipped, but the shipping details suggest international origins.
Stores claiming to sell everything Be skeptical of unknown stores claiming to offer an extensive range of products without ever running out of stock.
While large retailers might have diverse inventories, smaller stores usually have more limited selections.
Stay secure online For added security, consider Avast's state-of-the-art security solutions, featuring advanced AI algorithms designed to detect and warn against fake online stores.
What to do if you're scammed by a fake online store If you've unfortunately been scammed by a counterfeit online store, resulting in issues like not receiving the product, receiving the wrong or a substandard item, you have the right to dispute the transaction and seek a refund.
Directly contacting a fraudulent store for refunds often leads to intentional delays.
Report fraudulent stores After initiating your refund process, it's crucial to report the fake store to prevent others from falling victim.
This Cyber News was published on blog.avast.com. Publication date: Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:43:05 +0000