The “Out of Stock” Scam Is Back

By Greg Collier

The “out of stock” scam has been circulating for years, but the Better Business Bureau says it’s still catching plenty of online shoppers, especially through social media ads.

At first glance, it looks like a routine online purchase.

It’s not.

How the Scam Works

Here’s the typical setup:

  1. You see an ad for a product you want, often on Facebook, Instagram, or another social platform
  2. You click the link and land on what looks like a legitimate online store
  3. You make a purchase, and your card is charged
  4. Shortly afterward, you get an email saying the item is out of stock
  5. The email promises a refund “soon”

And then?

Nothing.

No product.
No refund.
And now the scammer has your money and your credit card information.

The catch: the product never existed in the first place. The entire site was designed only to take your payment.

Why Social Media Is the Perfect Trap

According to the BBB, one of the biggest red flags is buying directly through social media ads.

Scammers know that:

  • People scroll fast
  • Ads feel casual and trustworthy
  • Few users double-check URLs before buying

Those ads often lead to copycat websites that look polished but disappear as soon as enough payments roll in.

Red Flags

The BBB says be cautious if you see:

  • Deals that seem too good to be true
  • Highly targeted or “personalized” products
  • Fake coupons or limited-time pressure tactics
  • Product links that lead to unfamiliar or sketchy websites

If something feels rushed or oddly cheap, that’s usually the point.

How to Protect Yourself

The BBB recommends a few basic but important steps:

Research Before You Buy
Look up unfamiliar businesses on BBB.org, read reviews elsewhere, and search the company name along with the word “scam.”

Don’t Buy Directly From Social Media Links
If you see something you like, find the company’s website yourself instead of clicking the ad.

Check Website Security
Legitimate shopping sites should:

  • Start with HTTPS
  • Show a lock icon in the browser bar

No lock, no purchase.

Keep Records
Save receipts, order confirmations, and emails. You’ll need them if you dispute a charge.

Use a Credit Card, not Debit
Credit cards offer far better fraud protection than debit cards if something goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

The “out of stock” email isn’t customer service; it’s the exit ramp of the scam.

By the time you receive it, the money is already gone, and the website may vanish soon after.

If an online deal starts on social media, slow down. A few extra minutes of verification can save you from weeks, or months, of chasing a refund that’s never coming.

Stay skeptical. Stay cautious. And remember: real stores don’t disappear after taking your money.

Further Reading

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