Fake online stores and listings
Sample content for development. This profile will be reviewed by DTI before launch.
How it works
Fake shops copy the look of real brands and advertise on social media. Marketplace scammers list popular items cheaply and ask for payment outside the platform. Either way, the item never arrives.
What it can look like
Local marketplace
$120
Games console – brand new, sealed
Seller: Joined this week · 0 reviews
Only accepting bank transfer. Shipping only, can't meet. Many people interested so pay today to reserve.
Illustration. Names and numbers are fictional.
Warning signs
- Prices far below what everyone else charges
- A brand-new website or seller account with no history
- Payment by bank transfer, crypto or 'friends and family' payment only
- The seller wants to move off the marketplace
Common tactics
- Ads on social media for 'closing down' sales
- Fake reviews and trust badges
- Asking for a deposit to 'hold' an item
What to do
- Pay by credit card or a method with buyer protection
- Keep payment and chat inside the marketplace
- If you paid, contact your bank or card provider about a chargeback
Reporting
Report the message or account to the platform it came through, then report to your country's official fraud reporting service. If money or banking details are involved, contact your bank or payment provider first.