My ‘Luxury’ Handbag Arrived Made of Cardboard: Unmasking a Fake Shopify Store
Elara dreamt of owning a designer bag. She found one for a steal on a sleek online store. The site looked professional, with customer reviews and a secure checkout. Weeks later, a crushed box arrived. Inside, her “luxury” handbag was a flimsy, cardboard-like imitation. The store, built on a common e-commerce platform, had vanished. These scammers create convincing fake storefronts, often using stolen imagery, to sell non-existent or counterfeit goods. They take your money and disappear, highlighting the need to research unfamiliar online shops, no matter how legitimate they appear, before making a purchase.
That 80% Off Facebook Ad Hacked My Credit Card: What I Missed
Liam saw a Facebook ad for an 80% discount on highly sought-after sneakers. Clicking the link, he landed on a slick website and quickly entered his credit card details, eager to snag the deal. The sneakers never arrived. Instead, unauthorized charges started appearing on his statement. The ad led to a phishing site designed to steal financial information. Scammers use enticing social media ads with unbelievable discounts to lure victims. Always scrutinize the website URL, look for secure payment indicators, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true before providing any personal or payment information.
The Package Tracking Scam: How a Text Message Can Empty Your Bank
Sarah received a text message: “Your package delivery is pending. Confirm details here: [link].” Expecting a delivery, she clicked. The site, mimicking a known courier, asked for a small “redelivery fee” and her card details. Soon after, her bank account was drained. This phishing scam uses urgent text messages about package deliveries to trick recipients into visiting fake websites. These sites then steal login credentials or financial information. Always verify tracking information directly on the official courier’s website, not through unsolicited links, especially if they demand unexpected payments or personal data.
Is This Online Store Real? 5 Red Flags I ALWAYS Check (Learned the Hard Way)
After being duped by a fake electronics store, Ben now meticulously vets new online shops. He learned the hard way when his “discounted” drone never materialized. Now, his checklist includes: searching for negative reviews and scam reports, checking for a physical address and contact number (and verifying them), examining website quality for typos and poor grammar, looking for secure payment options (https), and being wary of prices that are significantly lower than competitors. These red flags, often ignored in the excitement of a bargain, can save you from losing money to fraudulent online sellers.
The ‘Free Trial’ That Cost Me $300: Escaping Subscription Traps
Maria signed up for a “free trial” of a skincare product, only paying a small shipping fee of five dollars. She didn’t notice the fine print. A month later, a charge for one hundred dollars appeared on her card, and another the next month. Cancelling was a nightmare of unresponsive customer service. These subscription traps lure you with low-cost trials but automatically enroll you in expensive recurring payments. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, especially regarding cancellations and billing cycles, before committing to any trial offer, and monitor your statements closely.
I ‘Won’ an iPhone on Instagram, Then They Asked for Shipping Fees: Giveaway Scam Exposed
Leo was ecstatic when an Instagram account DMed him saying he’d won a brand-new iPhone in their giveaway. To receive his prize, he just needed to pay a fifty dollar shipping and handling fee. He paid, but the iPhone never arrived, and the account blocked him. This common scam preys on excitement. Legitimate giveaways rarely ask winners to pay significant fees. Scammers use the lure of valuable prizes to extract money or personal information. Always be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications, especially if they require upfront payment for “shipping” or “taxes.”
Why Your ‘Secure’ Online Payment Isn’t Always Secure: The Redirection Scam I Dodged
During an online checkout for a new laptop, Alex noticed something odd. After clicking “Pay,” the URL briefly changed to an unfamiliar, slightly misspelled version of the payment processor’s site before redirecting back. He immediately cancelled the transaction. This redirection scam attempts to capture payment details on a fraudulent page that looks identical to a legitimate one. Even if the initial site is secure, the payment gateway might be compromised or spoofed. Always double-check the URL in your browser’s address bar, especially on payment pages, for https and correct spelling.
The Dropshipping Deception: Paid Premium for a $2 AliExpress Item (Spot The Signs)
Chloe bought a trendy gadget for sixty dollars from a boutique-style website, believing it was a unique item. When it arrived weeks later in generic packaging, she found the exact same product on AliExpress for just two dollars. The store was dropshipping: they never held inventory, simply ordered cheap items from manufacturers and had them sent directly to customers at a huge markup. While not always a scam, deceptive dropshippers misrepresent product origin and value. Look for long shipping times, generic product photos, and search for the item on wholesale sites before overpaying.
Fake Reviews Are Everywhere: My Experiment Exposing How Scammers Manipulate You
Sam suspected the glowing five-star reviews for a new kitchen gadget were fake. He cross-referenced reviewer profiles, finding many had only reviewed that seller’s products or posted generic praise. His “experiment” involved spotting repetitive phrases and unusually high numbers of recent perfect reviews. Scammers buy or generate fake reviews to build false credibility and trick customers into purchasing low-quality or non-existent items. Look for patterns, overly enthusiastic language, and check reviews on independent sites if possible, not just the seller’s own platform.
They Stole My Product Photos! How Scammers Create Fake Listings
As an artisan, Maya was horrified to find her unique handmade jewelry, with her own photos, listed on a dubious website she’d never heard of. They were using her hard work to scam buyers. Scammers often steal high-quality product images and descriptions from legitimate sellers or brands to create convincing fake listings on their own fraudulent sites or even on marketplaces. Buyers receive nothing or a cheap imitation. If a deal on a unique item seems too good to be true, try a reverse image search to see if the photos originate elsewhere.
My Amazon ‘Bargain’ Was a Counterfeit: Identifying Fakes on Major Platforms
Tom thought he snagged an amazing deal on a popular brand of headphones from a third-party seller on Amazon. When they arrived, the sound quality was terrible, and the packaging felt cheap. It was a sophisticated counterfeit. Even on trusted platforms, fraudulent sellers can list fake goods. To avoid this, check seller ratings and reviews carefully, be wary of prices significantly below retail, scrutinize product photos for inconsistencies, and buy directly from the brand’s official store or highly reputable sellers whenever possible on large marketplaces.
The ‘Limited Stock’ Pressure Tactic: How E-commerce Scammers Rush You
Deepa was eyeing a dress online. A banner flashed: “Only 2 left in stock! Selling fast!” Panicked, she bought it immediately without her usual checks. The dress was poor quality, and she later saw the “limited stock” message never changed. Scammers use false scarcity and urgency—like countdown timers or low stock alerts—to rush you into making a purchase before you can properly vet the product or seller. Take your time; legitimate deals will usually still be there after a few minutes of careful consideration.
That Adorable Puppy I Found Online? It Never Existed. Pet Scam Heartbreak
The online photos of “Buddy,” a Golden Retriever puppy, melted Amelia’s heart. The seller, claiming to be relocating, offered Buddy for just a rehoming fee plus five hundred dollars for a special climate-controlled crate for shipping. After Amelia paid, the seller vanished, and so did Buddy’s online ad. Pet scams exploit emotions, advertising non-existent animals, often with sob stories. They request payment for transport or vet bills, then disappear. Always insist on seeing the pet in person (or via live video call) before sending any money and be wary of sellers pressuring for quick, remote transactions.
Clicking ‘Unsubscribe’ Can Be a Trap: Some Emails Are Best Ignored
Mark was tired of spam emails from a store he didn’t recognize. He clicked the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom. Instead of being removed, he started receiving even more spam, and some phishing attempts. For legitimate businesses, unsubscribe links work. But scammers use fake unsubscribe links in their malicious emails to confirm your email address is active and that you open spam. This makes you a target for more scams. If an email looks suspicious or is from an unknown sender, it’s often safer to just delete it and mark it as spam.
The ‘Influencer’ Recommended a Scam Product: Vet Recommendations Before You Buy
Sophie trusted a popular lifestyle influencer who raved about a new “miracle” beauty serum. She bought it through the influencer’s link. The serum was ineffective and caused a rash. She later found many others had similar experiences; the influencer likely hadn’t vetted the product or was paid for a dishonest promotion. Not all influencer endorsements are genuine or well-researched. Always do your own research into products, especially health and beauty items, and check independent reviews before purchasing, even if recommended by someone you follow.
My Order Was ‘Lost in Transit’ Repeatedly: The Seller Who Never Shipped
David ordered a collectible action figure. The seller provided a tracking number, but the status never updated beyond “label created.” Each time David inquired, the seller blamed the courier and promised to reship, eventually going silent. He never received the item. This scam involves sellers who collect payment but never actually ship the goods, or ship an empty box with a valid tracking number to feign legitimacy. They stall with excuses until the dispute window closes. Pay with credit cards for better buyer protection and follow up promptly if items don’t arrive as scheduled.
Non-Delivery Scams: What I Did When My Expensive Gadget Vanished (And It Worked)
Priya ordered a new tablet costing six hundred dollars from an online store. After weeks of no delivery and evasive seller responses, she realized she’d been scammed. Instead of giving up, she documented everything: order confirmation, payment proof, and all communications. She then filed a chargeback request with her credit card company, providing all her evidence. The credit card company investigated and, finding her claim valid, reversed the charge. For non-delivery, immediately contact your payment provider; credit cards and some payment services offer robust dispute resolution.
The Dangers of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Scams: Targeting Impulse Shoppers
Ken was tempted by a “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) option for a pricey gaming console on a new website. He signed up, but the console never arrived. The fraudulent store vanished, but the BNPL provider still expected payments because they had paid the “merchant.” Scammers exploit BNPL by setting up fake stores, getting paid by the BNPL service, and leaving the customer liable for payments on goods they never received. Always verify the legitimacy of a store before using BNPL services, as you could be left paying for thin air.
Charity Checkout Scams: My Donation Went to a Fraudster’s Pocket
During an online checkout, Linda saw an option to add a ten dollar donation to a children’s charity. Happy to help, she ticked the box. Later, researching the charity, she found no record of it; the e-commerce site was likely pocketing these “donations.” Scammers exploit generosity by adding fake charity donation options at checkout or creating entirely fraudulent charity websites. If you want to donate, do so directly through the official website of a registered and reputable charity, not as an add-on through an unfamiliar retailer.
The Fake Customer Service Number Trap: Almost Gave Scammers Remote Access
When Raj’s new software glitched, he quickly Googled the company’s support number. The top result led him to a “technician” who insisted on remote access to his computer to “fix” the issue. Sensing a trick, Raj hung up and found the official number on the company’s actual website. The first number was a fake, run by scammers aiming to install malware or steal data. Always find customer service numbers on official websites or product packaging, not through search engine top results, which can be manipulated by fraudsters.
Triangulation Fraud: Bought from eBay, Got an Amazon Package – The Scam Explained
Anita bought a rare book on eBay. It arrived in an Amazon box, with an Amazon gift receipt. Confused, she investigated. The eBay seller was a fraudster who, upon receiving her order, used stolen credit card details to buy the book on Amazon and ship it to her. They pocketed Anita’s payment. This is triangulation fraud: the seller is a middleman using illegal means to fulfill orders. While you get your item, your purchase inadvertently involves credit card theft. Report such instances to the platforms involved.
That ‘Mystery Box’ Unveiled: Paid $100 for $5 Worth of Junk (Gamble Scam)
Enticed by promises of high-value electronics, Chris bought a “Mystery Box” online for one hundred dollars. The unboxing was a huge disappointment: a cheap phone case, a broken toy, and some stickers, collectively worth maybe five dollars. Mystery boxes are a gamble, often promoted with images of premium items that few, if any, buyers actually receive. Scammers use them to offload worthless junk at inflated prices. Be wary of any purchase where the contents are unknown and the value proposition relies on chance rather than clear product information.
Affiliate Link Hijacking: How Scammers Steal Commissions (Affects Your Buys)
When Ben clicked a trusted reviewer’s affiliate link for a camera, he didn’t know malicious browser extensions or malware could hijack that click. Scammers can replace the legitimate affiliate’s ID with their own, stealing the commission. While Ben still got his camera, the reviewer he intended to support lost out. This also means your click might route you through unsafe intermediary sites. Use reputable security software and be cautious about browser extensions, as they can secretly alter web traffic and compromise your intended transactions or redirect you.
The Bait-and-Switch Online Ad: Clicked for a Deal, Got a High-Pressure Upsell
Sarah clicked an ad for a twenty dollar dress. On the site, that dress was “out of stock,” but a salesperson immediately a customer service bot steered her towards similar, more expensive dresses, using high-pressure tactics. This is a classic bait-and-switch: luring customers with an attractive low-priced offer that is unavailable, then aggressively upselling them to a pricier alternative. If the advertised deal isn’t honored or you feel pressured, it’s best to leave the site and shop elsewhere.
Website Spoofing 101: Almost Logged Into a Fake Bank Site (Look for THIS)
Liam received an urgent email, seemingly from his bank, asking him to verify his account details due to “suspicious activity.” He clicked the link and the site looked identical to his bank’s login page. Just before entering his password, he noticed the URL was slightly misspelled – “mybank-online.com” instead of “mybank.com.” This was a spoofed website designed to steal his credentials. Always type your bank’s URL directly into the browser or use a trusted bookmark, and check for “https” and the correct domain name.
Are Digital Gift Cards Safe? How Mine Was Emptied Instantly
For her birthday, Chloe received a one hundred dollar digital gift card for her favorite online store via email. When she tried to use it an hour later, the balance was zero. Scammers can intercept gift card codes through insecure email, or use bots to guess common codes, especially if the issuing store has weak security. They then drain the balance quickly. Treat digital gift card codes like cash. If possible, redeem them immediately to your account or use them quickly. Consider physical gift cards if you’re concerned about digital security.
The ‘Out of Stock, But We Have This MORE Expensive One’ E-commerce Trick
David found a specific laptop model advertised at a great price. When he tried to purchase it, the site claimed it was suddenly “out of stock.” A pop-up immediately suggested a “similar but superior” model that cost two hundred dollars more. This tactic, a variation of bait-and-switch, lures you with an unavailable bargain to push a more expensive item. Legitimate stock issues happen, but if it feels like a deliberate upsell from a non-existent deal, be cautious. Stick to your budget and research alternatives elsewhere.
Forced Continuity Scams: That ‘One-Time Purchase’ That Kept Charging Me
Maria bought a diet supplement advertised as a one-time purchase for forty dollars. A month later, another forty dollar charge appeared on her credit card, and again the next month. Buried in the fine print was an agreement to a monthly subscription. This is a forced continuity scam, where a single purchase covertly signs you up for recurring charges. Always scrutinize the terms and conditions before buying, especially for “special offers,” and monitor your bank statements for unauthorized or unexpected recurring payments.
When Your ‘Discount Code’ Installs Malware: Coupon Site Pop-Up Dangers
Searching for a discount code for his online purchase, Tom clicked on a promising link from a coupon aggregator site. A pop-up appeared, instructing him to download an “extension” to reveal the code. Instead of a discount, his computer started behaving erratically; the download contained malware. Scammers create fake coupon sites or use malicious pop-ups on legitimate ones to distribute malware disguised as coupon finders or browser extensions. Be wary of unsolicited downloads and stick to well-known, reputable sources for discount codes.
Social Engineering in E-commerce: How Scammers Tricked Me Into Revealing My Password
Anita received a call from someone claiming to be from an e-commerce site where she recently shopped. They said there was a problem with her order and, to “verify” her identity, asked for her login password. Panicked about her order, she gave it. Her account was quickly compromised. Scammers use social engineering, manipulating trust and creating urgency, to trick people into divulging sensitive information. Legitimate companies will never ask for your password over the phone or via email. Always be suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal data.
The Dark Side of Flash Sales: How Urgency Bypasses Your Judgment
A “24-hour Flash Sale!” banner with a ticking countdown timer caught Leo’s eye. He saw a gadget he wanted at 50% off and, fearing he’d miss out, bought it without checking reviews or the seller’s reputation. The gadget was a cheap knock-off. Flash sales create a sense of urgency that can bypass rational decision-making. Scammers exploit this by offering seemingly incredible deals for a limited time to rush buyers. Always take a moment to breathe and do quick due diligence, even if the clock is ticking.
I Reported a Fake Online Store: Here’s What Happened (And Why You Should Too)
After realizing she’d been scammed by a fake online store that sold her a non-existent camera, Sarah didn’t just accept the loss. She reported the website to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), her state’s Attorney General, the e-commerce platform hosting it (if applicable), and left reviews on scam alert sites. While her money wasn’t immediately recovered, her reports contributed to a larger data pool that helps authorities track and shut down fraudulent operations, potentially preventing others from being victimized. Reporting scams, even small ones, makes a difference.
The Dangers of Using Public Wi-Fi for Online Shopping: My Costly Mistake
Chris was at a café and decided to do some online shopping using their free public Wi-Fi. He bought a pair of shoes, entering his credit card details. A week later, fraudulent charges appeared on his card. Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks are easily compromised by hackers who can intercept data, including login credentials and payment information. Avoid online shopping or any sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection, or stick to your cellular data.
How Scammers Use Typosquatting to Lure You (e.g., Amaz0n.com)
Deepa was in a hurry and typed “Amaz0n.com” (with a zero instead of an ‘o’) into her browser. The site looked like Amazon, but it was a fake, designed to steal login details or spread malware. This is typosquatting – registering domain names that are common misspellings of popular websites. Scammers rely on users making small typing errors. Always double-check the URL in your address bar for correct spelling and domain extension (e.g., .com, .org) before entering any sensitive information, or use trusted bookmarks.
The ‘Early Access’ Scam: Paid for a Product That Was Never Released
Ben was excited about a new video game and paid fifty dollars for “early access” through the developer’s seemingly official site. The promised release date came and went, with no game and no updates. The website eventually disappeared. Scammers exploit enthusiasm for new products by offering pre-orders or early access for items that don’t exist or will never be completed (vaporware). Be cautious when pre-paying for unreleased products, especially from unknown or new companies. Check for reviews and community feedback about the developer’s legitimacy.
Luxury Goods at Unbelievable Prices: Inside High-Quality Counterfeit Scams
Maria found a website selling luxury watches at prices that were almost too good to be true—around three hundred dollars for a watch usually costing thousands. The photos looked genuine. When it arrived, it was a “superfake,” a high-quality counterfeit almost indistinguishable from the real thing to an untrained eye, but worthless on the resale market. These scams rely on sophisticated fakes and seemingly professional websites. If a deal on a luxury item is drastically cheaper than authorized retailers, it’s almost certainly a counterfeit or a scam.
The Hidden Costs of ‘Free Shipping’: How Scammers Inflate Prices
Liam was drawn to a store advertising “Free Shipping Worldwide!” He bought a t-shirt for thirty-five dollars. Later, he found the same t-shirt on another site for fifteen dollars plus five dollars shipping – ten dollars cheaper overall. Some sellers offer “free shipping” but inflate the item prices to cover (and often exceed) the shipping cost, making the deal seem better than it is. Always compare the total cost, including item price and shipping, across different sites before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting genuine value.
My ‘Personalized’ Offer Was a Generic Scam: Spotting Fake Targeted Ads
Sophie received an email with a “special offer just for you!” on a product she’d recently viewed. The discount seemed great. However, the email had generic greetings and the link led to a slightly suspicious-looking site. She realized it was a sophisticated phishing attempt, likely triggered by tracking cookies, but not genuinely from the original retailer. Scammers use browsing data to make their phishing attempts seem more personal and credible. Always verify the sender’s email address and hover over links to check the destination URL before clicking.
The Refund Scam: How Scammers Get You to ‘Return’ Goods to the Wrong Place
David needed to return a faulty gadget he bought online. The seller agreed and provided a return shipping address. He sent it back, but never received his refund. The seller claimed they never got it. He later discovered the address was a random residential location, not the seller’s actual business. Scammers provide fake return addresses, so you lose both the item and your money. Always confirm the return address is legitimate, use tracked shipping, and understand the platform’s official return process before sending items back.
Selling Online? How I Almost Got Scammed by a Fake Buyer Overpayment
Maya was selling her old phone online. A buyer offered to pay more than her asking price, sending a check for five hundred dollars for a three hundred dollar phone, asking her to “send back the extra two hundred dollars” via wire transfer after depositing the check. Luckily, Maya knew this was an overpayment scam. The buyer’s check would eventually bounce, but by then, she would have already sent her real money to the scammer, leaving her out of pocket and without her phone. Never accept overpayments and send money back.
The ‘Damaged Goods’ Discount Scam: When Sellers Intentionally Send Faulty Items
Chris ordered a new coffee maker online. It arrived with a noticeable crack, clearly damaged before shipping. The seller offered a meager 10% discount to keep it, avoiding the hassle of a return. He suspected the item was intentionally sent damaged, a tactic some unscrupulous sellers use to offload faulty stock, hoping buyers will accept a small refund rather than go through a complicated return process. Always insist on a full refund or replacement for damaged goods, and document the damage immediately upon arrival.
Scareware Pop-ups While Shopping: Tricked Into Thinking My Device Was Infected
While browsing an e-commerce site, a pop-up suddenly filled Amelia’s screen, blaring a warning: “Your computer is infected with 5 viruses! Call this number immediately for support!” Panicked, she almost called. Scareware pop-ups try to frighten you into calling fake tech support numbers or downloading malware. These “technicians” will then demand payment for unnecessary services or try to gain remote access to your device. Legitimate antivirus software doesn’t use such aggressive browser pop-ups. Close the browser window (using Task Manager if needed) and run a scan with your own trusted security software.
Geo-Blocking Price Scams: Discovered I Was Paying More Based on My Location
Ken was comparing flight prices and noticed that when he used a VPN to appear as if he were browsing from a different country, the same flight was often cheaper. Some e-commerce sites and travel companies use geo-blocking or dynamic pricing to show different prices to users based on their location, IP address, or browsing history, assuming those in wealthier areas can pay more. While not always a scam, it’s a discriminatory pricing tactic. Using a VPN or clearing cookies can sometimes help find better prices.
The Perils of Pre-Orders: My Anticipated Gadget Became Vaporware
Priya excitedly pre-ordered a revolutionary new smart home device for two hundred dollars, six months before its promised launch. The launch date kept getting pushed back, and eventually, the company and its website disappeared entirely. Her money was gone. Pre-ordering from new or unproven companies is risky. They may be collecting funds for “vaporware” – products that are advertised but never actually produced. Stick to pre-ordering from established, reputable companies, and use a credit card for better chances of a chargeback if the product never materializes.
Charity Scams on E-commerce Platforms: Donating Safely During Checkout
During checkout on a major e-commerce platform, Linda was prompted to donate to a partner charity. Wanting to be sure, she researched the charity listed and found it was legitimate and partnered with the platform. However, not all such prompts are for verified charities, especially on less regulated sites. Scammers can mimic these features. To donate safely, it’s best to go directly to a known charity’s official website. If donating via a platform, quickly verify the charity’s existence and its official partnership with the retailer.
The ‘Like New’ Used Item Scam: Received Junk Instead of a Refurbished Product
David thought he found a great deal: a “like new” refurbished laptop for three hundred dollars less than retail. The seller had good, albeit few, reviews. When the laptop arrived, it was heavily scratched, slow, and the battery barely held a charge – far from “like new.” Some sellers misrepresent the condition of used or refurbished items to make a quick sale. Always scrutinize descriptions, ask for actual photos if possible, check seller return policies, and be wary if a deal on a refurbished high-value item seems too good to be true.
When the Seller Disappears After Payment: Navigating No-Contact E-commerce Fraud
Maria purchased a vintage dress from an independent online boutique. After she sent the payment of seventy-five dollars, the seller stopped responding to her emails, and the website suddenly went offline. Her order never arrived. This “seller ghosting” is common with fraudulent pop-up shops or individual sellers on marketplaces. To protect herself, Maria had used a credit card. She contacted her card issuer, provided evidence of the purchase and non-communication, and initiated a chargeback, successfully recovering her funds. Always use secure payment methods offering buyer protection.
Subscription Boxes Gone Wrong: My Monthly Surprise Became a Billing Nightmare
Leo signed up for a “curated” snack subscription box. The first box was great, but subsequent boxes declined in quality and value, and he was billed for eighty dollars a month, more than he initially thought. Cancelling proved incredibly difficult, with hidden fees and unresponsive customer service. Subscription boxes can be fun, but some companies make it hard to cancel or are not transparent about costs and contents. Always read the full terms, check reviews for cancellation issues, and understand the total commitment before subscribing.
Identity Theft Through Fake E-commerce Sites: Almost Gave Away Everything
Sophie found an amazing deal on a camera on a newly discovered electronics website. During checkout, it asked not only for her card details but also her Social Security Number for “identity verification”—a huge red flag. She immediately closed the site. Fake e-commerce sites can be fronts for identity theft, aiming to collect far more personal data than needed for a simple purchase. Legitimate retailers will never ask for your SSN or bank account passwords to complete a sale. Be extremely cautious about the information you provide online.
The ‘Exclusive Deal Only For You’ Email: Spotting Personalized Phishing in E-commerce
Ben received an email claiming to be from his favorite clothing store, offering an “exclusive 50% off deal just for loyal customers like you!” The email used his name and referenced past purchases. However, the sender’s email address was slightly off, and the link pointed to an unfamiliar domain. This was a spear-phishing attempt, personalized to increase trust. Scammers can use data breaches or tracking to craft convincing targeted emails. Always verify sender details and hover over links to check the destination URL before clicking, even if the offer seems tailored to you.