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  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , e-shop scam, fake online store, , JOANN Fabrics, online shopping,   

    How to Spot a Fake Online Store 

    By Greg Collier

    Maria thought she’d found a steal at a clearance sale from a well-known craft chain offering everything at 80% off. The website looked perfect: identical logo, colors, and even a chat support icon. She submitted her card details, got a confirmation email, and waited.

    Her order never arrived. Neither did her refund request. Weeks later, her bank flagged unusual charges all traced back to that “too good to be true” site.

    Maria’s story isn’t rare. In 2025, fake e-commerce websites, sometimes called “e-shop scams,” are spiking across social media, search ads, and email promotions.​

    What’s Going On:

    Fraudsters set up lookalike retail websites and fake brand pages that mimic everything from Amazon storefronts to bankrupt retail chains like JOANN Fabrics.​

    Once you enter payment info, three things usually happen:

    • Your money is taken, but no product ships.
    • Your personal and card data are harvested for identity theft.
    • Or your login credentials are stored for later breaches on other sites.

    Many of these fraudulent stores are powered by AI website builders and image generators, making them nearly indistinguishable from authentic retailers.​

    Why It’s Effective:

    E-commerce fraud plays on two powerful triggers: scarcity and savings. Shoppers see dramatic “80% off” prices, countdown timers, and phrases like “final liquidation.” Combined with the rising cost of living, these emotional cues override caution.

    Scammers exploit this environment, especially during major retailer closures or holiday rushes when consumers are primed for deals.

    Red Flags:

    When a deal looks real but feels rushed, slow down and check for these markers:

    • The URL has minor tweaks (extra hyphens, misspellings, or unusual domains like “.shop” or “.co”).
    • Product photos look overly polished or identical across unrelated sites.
    • No customer service contact beyond web forms or personal Gmail addresses.
    • Absence of secure payment methods (or demand for wire, Venmo, or gift cards).
    • Reviews seem copied or suspiciously generic.

    Quick tip: Before buying, copy the site’s name + the word “scam” into Google. If others have been duped by the same store, you’ll see complaints fast.

    What You Can Do:

    • Shop at the source only. Go directly to a brand’s official domain, not links from texts or social media ads.
    • Verify legitimacy. Use tools like Whois and ScamAdviser to check domain history.
    • Pay with credit, not debit. Credit cards provide better fraud dispute protection.
    • Use unique passwords. Don’t reuse login details across e-commerce sites.​
    • Watch your statements. Banks report that most fake shop victims don’t notice additional charges until weeks later.

    If you’re running a small business, use your experience to write “buyer education” blurbs for your customers during peak sale seasons. It builds trust and protects your brand from lookalike fraud.

    If You’ve Been Targeted:

    If you ordered from a fake shop:

    • Contact your bank immediately. Ask to reverse unauthorized charges.
    • Report the website to the FTC and IC3.gov for investigation.
    • Monitor your credit report through agencies like Experian or TransUnion.
    • Change all reused passwords. Consider a password manager.
    • Warn others. Report the URL via community watch groups or browser phishing tools.

    Cybercriminals are moving fast, faster than most shoppers can scroll. But slowing down before you click can stop them cold. Real stores rarely demand urgency; scams always do.

    So next time a “90% off” ad pops up, pause. Search. Verify. Protect your hard-earned money.

    Have you spotted one of these fake stores? Drop a comment or screenshot. Together, we can crowdsource warnings and save others from clicking “checkout” on a scam.

    Further Reading:

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 17, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , online shopping,   

    Scammers Love Halloween Too 

    Scammers Love Halloween Too

    By Greg Collier

    Halloween brings excitement, costumes, and creative decorating. It also brings a wave of online scams targeting shoppers rushing to find last-minute deals. The Better Business Bureau is cautioning consumers to stay alert this season as fraudulent websites and social media ads try to take advantage of the holiday rush.

    Reports have emerged of websites posing as legitimate retailers offering heavily discounted costumes, accessories, and decor. The pages may appear convincing and even allow users to complete checkout. What happens next is nothing. Orders never arrive, and customer inquiries go unanswered. In other cases, the items that do show up arrive weeks later and bear little resemblance to what was advertised. These sites often rely on AI-generated reviews and staged product photos to appear trustworthy. Reused phrasing, identical five-star comments across different products, and stock-style imagery can indicate fabricated feedback meant to lure in fast-moving shoppers.

    The BBB continues to remind consumers that a price that looks impossibly low is often exactly that. Before entering payment information, it is worth taking a closer look at the seller’s online footprint. A quick search of the website’s domain through a WHOIS or ICANN lookup can reveal whether the site was registered only days earlier, which is common with short-lived scam operations. Authentic retailers typically provide full contact information, including a physical address and working customer support number. If a seller only offers an email field or a chat widget with no other traceable information, caution is advised. Shipping and return policies are another sign of credibility. Legitimate businesses usually disclose where items are shipped from, how long delivery takes, and how to initiate a return. Scam sites often bury unclear terms in small print or avoid stating any policy at all.

    Payment method remains an important line of defense. Credit cards generally offer the strongest fraud protection and allow for disputes if merchandise never arrives or arrives in unacceptable condition. Bank transfers, peer-to-peer apps, or direct payment requests provide little to no recourse. If a financial institution flags a transaction as suspicious, it is better to review the alert than override it in an attempt to secure a bargain.

    For those who would rather not gamble on unfamiliar websites, local retailers provide a practical alternative. Thrift stores and brick-and-mortar chains often dedicate entire sections to seasonal merchandise, allowing shoppers to inspect quality and confirm fit immediately. Organizations such as Goodwill report that Halloween is one of their busiest times, with racks of costumes and decor readily available to browse and try on.

    If a scam does occur, the BBB encourages consumers to report it to local police, the Federal Trade Commission, and state consumer protection offices rather than quietly accepting the loss. These reports help agencies track trends and shut down fraudulent operators before they can ensnare others.

    Halloween should be entertaining rather than stressful. A quick background check on a seller is often all it takes to ensure that the holiday spirit stays fun instead of frightening.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 7, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , Labubu, , online shopping,   

    Labubu Toy Scam Hits Online Shoppers 

    By Greg Collier

    Labubu toys, produced by the collectible toy brand Pop Mart, have quickly become one of the most sought-after items among children and collectors alike. These stylized, elf-like figures are part of a blind-box toy series and often feature whimsical, sometimes mischievous expressions. Originally launched as part of the “The Monsters” collection, Labubu figures typically retail for about $15 to $20 apiece, though rare editions and limited releases can fetch significantly higher prices in resale markets.

    Like Beanie Babies in the 1990s or Hatchimals in the 2010s, Labubus have developed a devoted following that fuels both demand and scarcity. As with any highly coveted toy, this has made them a ripe target for counterfeiters and scammers. The Better Business Bureau is now warning consumers to be especially cautious when purchasing Labubu toys online, particularly from unfamiliar websites or third-party sellers advertising through social media platforms.

    Recent reports show that dozens of buyers have been deceived by online retailers promising authentic Labubu toys, only to receive cheap knockoffs or, in some cases, nothing at all. Some consumers were led to these fraudulent sellers through ads on popular apps, such as TikTok. Once a purchase was made, the retailer’s website would often disappear, leaving no recourse for the buyer.

    Because these toys are part of a global collectible trend, their physical features are often closely scrutinized by fans and collectors. Authentic Labubu figures should come in branded packaging with specific identifiers such as a QR code and a holographic sticker. The figures themselves typically have a pale peach complexion and are designed with nine sharp, pointed teeth. Anything that deviates from these markers could indicate a counterfeit product.

    Counterfeit toys also come with risks beyond the disappointment of receiving a fake. These knockoffs are not subject to the same safety and quality regulations as legitimate products. As a result, they may be made with unsafe materials such as lead-based paint or contain small, breakable parts that pose choking hazards. While collectors may recognize the difference immediately, unsuspecting parents could be putting their children at risk without knowing it.

    To avoid falling victim to these scams, experts advise consumers to make purchases through reputable and well-known retailers. Suspiciously low prices, poor-quality website design, or vague contact information should be considered red flags. While social media advertising can sometimes lead to legitimate deals, it has also become a common method for scam operations to gain traction quickly and then disappear.

    The popularity of Labubu toys is expected to continue rising, especially as limited editions and seasonal releases drive further demand. For those looking to join the trend or buy for a child or collector, taking extra care during the purchasing process can help prevent costly disappointments. The Better Business Bureau continues to provide updated consumer alerts and shopping advice on its official website.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on June 5, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , customs, online shopping, ,   

    Stuck in Customs? It’s Likely a Scam 

    Stuck in Customs? It’s Likely a Scam

    By Greg Collier

    When an online order never shows up, it’s natural to follow up. But if the seller tells you your package is stuck in customs due to tariffs, it may be more than just a shipping delay. According to reports from BBB Scam Tracker, this explanation is increasingly being used by scammers to delay refunds or avoid delivering anything at all.

    The scam usually begins with a professional-looking advertisement on social media or search engines. A potential customer visits the site, sees a product they want, and proceeds through a smooth checkout process. Everything appears legitimate until the item never arrives. Initial follow-ups may be met with vague, repetitive messages urging patience. Eventually, the seller may claim the package is stuck in customs due to tariffs or international regulations. In some cases, the buyer is asked to pay additional money to release the shipment. Other times, a tracking number is provided that falsely shows the package was delivered to an unrelated address, often in another state.

    Some sellers blame trade policy or customs backlogs as a reason for the delay, but these explanations often serve to buy time or discourage further inquiries. Once customers demand a refund or threaten to report the issue, communication often stops altogether. Email responses may be riddled with grammatical errors or come from generic addresses with no identifiable support team.

    Several patterns tend to appear in these types of scams. The most telling is the use of tariffs or customs as an excuse for excessive delays. Another is being asked to pay more money after the order is placed. Tracking numbers that don’t align with your shipping information or that show delivery to the wrong location are also red flags. Customer service that avoids specific answers or disappears entirely should raise immediate concern.

    While sponsored social media ads can come from legitimate companies, scammers also use these platforms to present fake businesses that vanish once enough orders come in. Shoppers are advised to research unfamiliar sellers before purchasing, particularly when ads appear in sponsored posts. Reviews outside of the seller’s own platform can help reveal complaints or patterns of fraud. Inspecting the website for inconsistencies, such as poor grammar or suspicious URLs, may also uncover warning signs.

    Paying with a credit card can provide an extra layer of protection in case you need to dispute a charge. It is uncommon for U.S. consumers to owe tariffs after completing a purchase, so any request for post-purchase customs payments should be treated with skepticism. Saving order confirmations, tracking information, and screenshots of the original ad can support your claim if you decide to report the scam or seek a refund through your credit card issuer.

    As scammers become more sophisticated in creating fake websites and using technical language to explain away delays, staying informed is essential. If you believe you’ve been targeted by this type of scam, you can file a report with BBB Scam Tracker to help warn others and contribute to ongoing fraud investigations.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 21, 2025 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , online shopping, ,   

    Beware of Counterfeit Pet Products 

    Beware of Counterfeit Pet Products

    By Greg Collier

    The cost of caring for a pet can add up quickly. Routine expenses such as food and veterinary visits already total more than a thousand dollars a year on average. Yet, it’s often the accessories and extras, such as collars, toys, treats, and grooming supplies, where costs can spiral even higher. Unfortunately, scammers have taken notice.

    As pet products flood online marketplaces, so do counterfeit versions. These imitations can appear nearly identical to name-brand items, but often fall short in safety and quality. Many pet owners discover too late that what they purchased online was not what it claimed to be. Some buyers have been left without any product at all, even after receiving shipping confirmations.

    Online advertisements for popular pet items can be tempting, especially when they appear to offer a substantial discount. However, the Better Business Bureau has warned that unusually low prices and unfamiliar websites are common signs of fraud. Counterfeit pet products not only waste money, but may also put animals at risk. A poorly made toy or accessory can break apart, be swallowed, or contain harmful substances.

    To avoid these risks, shoppers are advised to stick with trusted retailers. A secure website, verified reviews, and clear contact information can signal legitimacy. Using a credit card is a safer option, as it allows for disputes in the event the product is defective or fails to arrive. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with a store’s return and refund policies and keep order records until delivery is confirmed.

    Even legitimate-looking websites can carry counterfeit goods, especially when it comes to flea and tick prevention. Because some of these products mimic over-the-counter or prescription medications, there is an added layer of concern. A discussion with a licensed veterinarian is the safest route when choosing a treatment plan for any pet.

    The convenience of online shopping should not come at the expense of a pet’s safety. Thanks to guidance from Consumer Reports and warnings from consumer protection agencies like the BBB, pet owners have tools to shop smarter and avoid falling victim to potentially dangerous fakes.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on December 24, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , consumer fraud, Honey, online shopping, ,   

    Honey’s Hidden Cost: Deceiving Consumers 

    Honey's Hidden Cost: Deceiving Consumers

    By Greg Collier

    Honey, a widely used browser extension owned by PayPal, has recently found itself at the center of controversy, accused of deceptive practices that harm consumers and creators alike. While the extension is marketed as a money-saving tool that helps users find discounts and cashback opportunities, a recent investigation suggests its operations might not align with its promises.

    A detailed exposé, posted on YouTube by creator MegaLag, has sparked widespread debate about Honey’s practices. The video accuses the extension of misrepresenting itself to consumers, undermining content creators, and engaging in questionable tactics to secure commissions on online sales. These revelations have left many questioning the ethics of the app and its impact on the broader ecosystem of online shopping and affiliate marketing.

    Honey’s primary allure is its promise to help shoppers save money by automatically applying coupon codes at checkout. According to the company, it earns a commission from partner merchants when users make purchases, sharing part of that commission through cashback. On the surface, this seems like a win-win for consumers and retailers. However, the investigation claims otherwise, alleging that Honey fails to find the best deals and deliberately prioritizes codes from its own partners, even when better discounts are available elsewhere.

    Perhaps even more troubling is Honey’s alleged treatment of influencers and creators. The investigation accuses the extension of overriding affiliate links embedded in creators’ content, replacing them with its own referral codes. This ensures Honey earns the commission and not the creators who actually recommended the products. This practice has reportedly led some creators to terminate their partnerships with Honey quietly, frustrated by the betrayal of trust.

    The implications of these practices extend beyond creators. By replacing affiliate links, Honey effectively diverts revenue away from influencers who rely on those commissions to sustain their work. Creators who had previously promoted Honey now find themselves in an awkward position, as their endorsements inadvertently directed their audiences to an extension that undercut their own earning potential.

    Additionally, businesses themselves may be feeling the sting. Honey is accused of applying unauthorized coupon codes, which can lead to financial losses for merchants and sometimes force them to raise prices to compensate. While the company asserts that it reduces cart abandonment and drives conversions, critics argue that its tactics ultimately harm both consumers and businesses, undermining trust in online shopping.

    For consumers, the revelations serve as a reminder to approach seemingly ‘free’ tools with caution. While Honey positions itself as a consumer ally, the accusations suggest its true interests lie in maximizing its own profit—sometimes at the expense of those it claims to help. And for creators, the controversy underscores the importance of scrutinizing partnerships and advocating for fair treatment in the ever-evolving landscape of online monetization.

    As the discussion around Honey’s practices continues to unfold, it raises broader concerns about the accountability of tech companies and the fine line between convenience and exploitation. Whether Honey will address these criticisms directly or make changes to its model remains to be seen, but the controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complexities lurking behind the tools we use every day.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , online shopping,   

    Staying Safe Online During Black Friday 

    Staying Safe Online During Black Friday

    By Greg Collier

    As the holiday season ramps up, so do the efforts of online scammers looking to exploit the shopping rush. With Thanksgiving and Black Friday just around the corner, cybersecurity experts are urging consumers to be vigilant. The holiday shopping season, with its flurry of deals and discounts, provides fertile ground for scams designed to steal money and personal information.

    Another gift card scam is on the rise. Scammers are using the promise of gift cards to bait victims into clicking harmful links or providing sensitive information. A phishing email circulating recently uses the logo of a major warehouse club to promise a $100 gift card in exchange for completing a survey. These offers are never legitimate. If you plan to buy gift cards, do so directly from the retailer’s website or in-store to ensure you’re not being duped.

    Another area of concern this year is social media advertising. While scrolling through platforms, you may come across ads promising incredible discounts, often too good to be true. These ads can be enticing, especially during Black Friday, but they might lead to fraudulent websites. For instance, one scam has been seen using a well-known outdoor apparel brand to lure shoppers with promises of 80% off merchandise. Clicking on such ads can direct you to fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, designed to steal your payment details or infect your device with malware. Always verify the website’s address carefully before making a purchase, as subtle differences in URLs can signify fraudulent sites.

    And since these purchases need to be delivered, another common scam involves fake delivery notifications. These scams surged in popularity last year, preying on the confusion of the holiday shopping season. Fraudsters send text messages or emails claiming there’s an issue with a package delivery, urging recipients to click a link to resolve the problem. These links often lead to malicious websites that aim to collect personal information. To avoid falling victim, keep track of your orders and their legitimate tracking numbers. Be cautious of any message that doesn’t include specific details about a package you’re expecting.

    The excitement of holiday deals can make even the most cautious shopper let their guard down. Scammers know this, which is why they ramp up their efforts this time of year. To protect yourself, approach online deals with skepticism, especially those that appear unexpectedly in your inbox or social media feed. Taking a moment to verify the legitimacy of a website or alert could save you from financial loss and stress during what should be a joyful season.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on September 25, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: card declined scam, , , online shopping,   

    How to Spot and Avoid The Card Declined Scam 

    How to Spot and Avoid The Card Declined Scam

    By Greg Collier

    The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently issued a warning about a new scam. Imagine you’re going through your usual online shopping routine, selecting items and preparing to check out. But when you attempt to finalize your purchase, you receive an alert saying your card was declined. Confused, but thinking it might be a glitch, you try a different card. To your dismay, the same message pops up again.

    What many don’t realize at that moment is that they’ve just fallen victim to a well-crafted scam. The website you’re shopping on isn’t legitimate. It’s designed to trick you into handing over your credit card information. Every time you try a new card, you’re simply feeding the scammers more details. Within minutes, unauthorized charges can appear on the accounts linked to the cards you’ve used, leaving you scrambling to contact your bank.

    The key to avoiding this situation is understanding that the scam works by exploiting urgency and confusion. When a card is declined unexpectedly, people naturally want to resolve the issue by trying another card. But that’s precisely what the scammers want. The more cards you enter, the more access they have to your financial information.

    The BBB advises that before entering any payment information, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of the site. A well-known retailer like Amazon will not typically ask you to re-enter stored payment details. Look for signs that the site is secure, such as the “https” in the URL, and avoid inputting sensitive data if the site doesn’t feel right.

    Scammers also use fake emails, texts, and ads that imitate legitimate businesses, so be cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those that lead to unusual payment pages. It’s always a good idea to directly visit a retailer’s website rather than following links from emails or ads, which can be manipulated to look genuine.

    Research the business before making a purchase, particularly if you’re shopping somewhere unfamiliar. Customer reviews and trusted sources like the BBB can provide insight into whether a site is legitimate. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with other retailers to gauge the true value of the product you want to buy.

    Another crucial step in protecting yourself is to use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer added protection against fraudulent charges, and you can dispute unauthorized transactions more easily than with debit cards. It’s also a good time to speak with your bank and credit card company about what measures they offer to protect your accounts, such as purchase limits or notifications for every transaction.

    The ‘card declined’ scam serves as a reminder that online shopping, though convenient, requires vigilance. By verifying website security, avoiding unsolicited messages, and staying informed about your card protections, you can avoid becoming the next victim of this frustrating and costly scheme.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 27, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , online shopping, ,   

    Beware the Too-Good-to-Be-True Online Deal 

    By Greg Collier

    According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), about 50% of people who lose money in online shopping scams do so because the deal seemed irresistible. The problem often arises when you think you’re purchasing from a trusted site, like Amazon, but you’re actually on a fake website designed to look like the real thing.

    These fake sites can be deceivingly similar to legitimate ones. Scammers know that if they can create a website that looks just like Amazon or any other well-known retailer, they can trick you into handing over your money. But there are ways to spot these fakes if you know what to look for.

    First, closely examine the URL of the site you’re on. Real Amazon’s URL is simple, it’s amazon.com. However, scammers use lookalike URLs which might look convincing at first glance but are actually traps. For legitimate websites, the brand name should be directly followed by .com or whatever the top-level domain (TLD) it is they use. If you see a hyphen, additional words, or anything else between the brand name and the TLD, you’re likely dealing with a scam.

    You might wonder how scammers manage to make these fake sites look so real. It turns out there are two main ways. Cybercriminals can buy phishing kits that allow them to replicate the look and feel of popular brands’ websites. These kits are cheap and widely available, making it easy for scammers to create convincing fakes.

    Scammers can also purchase domain names that resemble legitimate sites. They can register these names with minimal oversight, which allows them to create URLs that look legitimate but lead you straight into their traps.

    The next time you’re shopping online and come across a deal that seems too good to be true, take a moment to scrutinize the URL. Make sure it’s a legitimate site before entering any personal information. In today’s digital age, a little caution can go a long way in protecting yourself from scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , online shopping, ,   

    Farmers scammed buying shipping containers 

    Farmers scammed buying shipping containers

    By Greg Collier

    An Arizona farm owner decided to expand their barn using shipping containers due to their durability and resistance to wind and water. Seeking convenience, they turned to online marketplaces like Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to find suitable containers. Their search led them to a seller claiming to represent a company selling shipping containers.

    After researching the company and finding positive reviews, the buyer communicated with a man through Facebook Messenger. The man’s prompt responses and attentiveness built a sense of trust. However, when it came time to make the purchase, several red flags emerged.

    To proceed, nearly $2,700 needed to be paid upfront. The buyer preferred to pay with a credit card for added protection, but the man insisted on a check made out to an individual instead of the business. Although this raised suspicions, the man’s explanations seemed plausible, and the payment was made.

    The problems began when the delivery date approached. The buyer faced constant delays, excuses, and a demand for an additional $3,500 in insurance. Growing increasingly uneasy, they decided to contact the container company directly using the information on their official website.

    The response was a devastating blow. The real container company had no record of the order, invoice, or any knowledge of the man they were communicating with. The buyer had been dealing with scammers impersonating the legitimate company to defraud consumers on third-party websites.

    This experience highlights the importance of thorough verification when making large purchases. Here are key takeaways to protect yourself from similar scams.

    Always contact the company directly using information from their official website. Never rely solely on contact details provided by the seller.

    Be wary if a company insists on communicating only through messaging platforms. Legitimate businesses typically offer multiple communication channels, including phone and email.

    Whenever possible, pay with a credit card, which offers better fraud protection. Be cautious of sellers requesting payment through irreversible methods like cashier’s checks or wire transfers.

    Check reviews on multiple websites and search for any reports of scams or imposters. Include terms like “scam” or “fraud” in your search.

    If a seller pressures you to make a quick decision, take a step back. Consider your options carefully before committing.

    If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, report it immediately. Contact your local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Prompt reporting can help authorities track and combat fraudulent activities.

     

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