How to Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Scams in 2026
Online shopping scams cost consumers billions every year. Learn practical steps to protect yourself, spot fake stores, and safely shop online in 2026.
Online Shopping Scams Are Getting Harder to Spot
Scam websites used to be easy to identify — broken English, blurry images, and obviously fake designs. Not anymore. Modern scam sites look professional, run targeted ads on social media, and can fool even experienced online shoppers.
In 2025, the FTC reported that online shopping was the #1 category for fraud complaints, with consumers losing over $5.8 billion to online shopping scams alone. The median loss per victim was $120 — not life-changing, but painful enough, and often avoidable.
Here's how to protect yourself.
Before You Buy: Verify the Store
1. Check the Domain Age
Scam stores are created and abandoned quickly. If a website was registered less than 6 months ago, treat it with extra caution.
You can check domain age with a WHOIS lookup, or use RiskScope which includes domain age in its automated analysis.
2. Search for Reviews Outside the Site
Don't trust reviews on the store's own website — these are easily faked. Instead:
- Search for "[store name] review" or "[store name] scam" on Google
- Check Trustpilot for independent reviews
- Look for Reddit threads discussing the store
- Check if the store has a Better Business Bureau profile
3. Verify Contact Information
Call the phone number. Send an email and see if you get a human response. Check if the physical address exists on Google Maps. Scam sites often list fake addresses or have no contact information at all.
4. Run It Through a Safety Checker
RiskScope checks any domain against 14+ threat intelligence databases in seconds. If a site scores above 50/100, think twice before buying.
During Checkout: Protect Your Payment
Use a Credit Card, Not a Debit Card
Credit cards offer much stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If a transaction is fraudulent:
- Credit card: You dispute it and the charge is reversed while the bank investigates. Your money stays in your account.
- Debit card: The money is already gone from your account. Getting it back takes longer and isn't guaranteed.
Use PayPal or Virtual Cards When Possible
PayPal adds a layer of buyer protection between you and the merchant. Some banks also offer virtual card numbers — temporary card numbers that can only be used once or with a specific merchant.
Never Pay via Wire Transfer, Gift Cards, or Crypto
These payment methods are irreversible. Once the money is sent, there is no chargeback mechanism. Any store that insists on these payment methods is almost certainly a scam.
After You Buy: Monitor and Act Fast
Track Your Order
Use the tracking number provided. If no tracking number is provided within the promised timeframe, contact the seller immediately and start the dispute process.
Inspect Items Immediately
When your order arrives:
- Document everything with photos and video before opening
- Compare what you received to the listing photos
- Test electronics and check clothing for defects
Know Your Dispute Deadlines
- PayPal: 180 days from payment
- Credit cards: Usually 60 days from the statement date
- Debit cards: Varies, but often shorter than credit cards
Don't wait. If something is wrong, file a dispute immediately.
The Most Common Shopping Scams in 2026
Social Media Ad Scams
Scammers run polished ads on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for products that either don't exist or look nothing like the ad. The stores often have names that sound legitimate but disappear within weeks.
Fake Discount Sites
Websites claiming to be "outlet" versions of popular brands (e.g., "Nike Outlet Store 90% Off") are almost always scams. Legitimate brands run their own sales on their official websites.
Lookalike Domains
A scam site registered as "amaz0n-deals.com" or "walrnart.com" (with an "rn" that looks like "m") can fool people who don't look closely at the URL.
Dropshipping Markups
Some stores sell cheap AliExpress products at massive markups with weeks-long shipping. While not technically a scam, you're paying $40 for a $3 product. Check if the product images appear on AliExpress before buying.
Quick Checklist Before Buying from an Unknown Store
- Domain is more than 6 months old
- Real contact information (phone, email, address)
- Reviews exist on Trustpilot or Reddit
- HTTPS enabled with valid SSL
- Prices are realistic (not 90% off everything)
- Multiple payment options available (credit card, PayPal)
- No pressure tactics (fake timers, fake stock alerts)
- RiskScope shows a low risk score
If a store fails 3 or more of these checks, find another store.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
- Contact your bank or credit card — request a chargeback immediately
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Report the site on RiskScope to help protect other shoppers
- Change passwords if you created an account on the scam site
- Enable fraud alerts on your bank accounts
Check Any Store Before You Buy
Don't take chances with unfamiliar websites. Enter any domain on RiskScope for a free, instant risk assessment.
Check Any Website Yourself
RiskScope is free. No signup required. Enter any domain and get an instant risk assessment.