Scam warning
Fake Online Store
Scammers set up shopping websites, often advertised on Facebook or Instagram, with famous brands at huge discounts or “store closing” sales. You pay, and the item never arrives, or something cheap and different shows up.
Also called: Fake website scam, Online shopping scam, Social media ad scam
The one thing to remember
If the price is much too good to be true, it is. Pay with a credit card, which gives you the most protection.
How it happens
- You see an ad for a big sale, like 80% off, or a “going out of business” sale.
- The website looks real, but its address is a bit odd.
- You pay, often with a payment app or debit card.
- Nothing arrives, the tracking number is fake, or you get junk. The site disappears.
Warning signs
- Prices far below what other stores charge.
- A website you've never heard of, with no phone number or address.
- Paying only with Zelle, gift cards, wire or crypto.
- Bad spelling, or reviews that all sound the same.
What to do
- Shop at stores you know, or look up reviews of the website first.
- Use a credit card. If something goes wrong, call the card company to dispute the charge.
- Report the ad to Facebook or Instagram.
Last checked: October 31, 2026