🛒Online Shopping Scams and Fake Stores

What are online shopping scams ?

With the growth of online shopping, the risk of fraud is also increasing. Fake online stores and fraudulent listings lure customers with low prices and attractive offers, but instead of receiving the expected goods, victims are left without both their money and the product.
People of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to these scams.

Common scenarios:

• Fake online stores with extremely low prices – after payment, the goods never arrive.

• Fake listings on e-commerce sites – advance payment is required, after which all contact stops.

• Fake giveaway campaigns and surveys – request personal or banking details with the promise of a prize.

• Phishing messages (emails or SMS) with links to fake websites imitating courier companies or banks.

After payment, communication typically stops, and the victim has no way to contact the “seller.”

Key indicators:

• Missing company details – no real address, phone number, or business registration.

• Only advance payment accepted (bank transfer, cryptocurrency).

• The website is new, with poor-quality design or imitating a popular store.

• Prices significantly lower than market averages.

• Links to unfamiliar domains or suspicious URLs.

• No option for cash on delivery or secure payment methods.
  
  

How to protect yourself?

• Check the website – look for reviews, verify company details, and confirm the domain is legitimate.

• Do not trust extremely low prices – they are often a trap.

• Pay via secure methods – credit card, cash on delivery, or platforms with buyer protection.

• Check for HTTPS (padlock icon in the address bar).

• Avoid websites that only accept bank transfers.

• If shopping on an unfamiliar site – track whether the goods are shipped using a courier tracking link.

• Never enter banking or personal details unless you are sure the site is legitimate.

• Avoid clicking links from suspicious messages or social media ads.
  
  

Whom to contact?

• Your bank – if you suspect a fraudulent payment.

• Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) – kzp.bg

• MIA / GDBOP – Cybercrime – gdbop.bg

• European Consumer Centre Bulgaria (ECC) – ecc.bg
  
  

What to do if you have already become a victim?

• Notify your bank about the scam immediately

  • Request blocking of cards or account access

  • Change internet banking passwords

  • Ask about the possibility of stopping a transfer if it has already been made
    
    

Useful links:

• Commission for Consumer Protection (CCP) – kzp.bg

• GDBOP – Cybercrime – gdbop.bg

• European Consumer Centre Bulgaria (ECC Bulgaria) – ecc.bg