Shop Smart, Stay Protected
How you can steer clear of online shopping scam

Online shopping has become part of everyday life. With so many retailers, marketplaces, and social media shops at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to compare prices, find great deals, and have items delivered straight to your door. Unfortunately, it’s also easier than ever for scammers to blend in. They use convincing websites, fake storefronts, and deceptive messages to trick shoppers into giving up money or personal information. The good news? With a little awareness, you can avoid most of these schemes.

The Online Shopping Scams You're Most Likely to See 

Fake Seller Listings

On online marketplaces, scammers may pose as trustworthy sellers. They might use stolen photos, unrealistic prices, or fake reviews to reel in buyers and then ship nothing or send a cheap imitation.

Look-Alike Retail Websites

Fraudsters sometimes build entire online stores designed to imitate popular brands. The logos, product photos, and layout may look familiar, but the site address is slightly different. Once you check out, your information and money are gone.

Bogus Buyer Schemes

If you’re selling something online, watch out for buyers who “accidentally” overpay and ask for a refund, insist on odd payment methods, or claim they sent payment when they haven’t. These scams are common on local buy/sell platforms.

Payment Method Tricks

Any time someone asks you to pay using a gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or an unusual third-party platform, treat it as a major red flag. These methods are nearly impossible to recover if something goes wrong.

Phishing Links and Fake Ads

A deal pops up in an ad, text message, or email that sounds incredible, but the link sends you to a fake page designed to steal your login or payment information. These scams often use urgency (“Only 3 left!”) to get quick clicks.

Why These Scams Work

Scammers rely on a few predictable consumer habits. Being aware of these patterns makes you far harder to fool.

• We love bargains. Extremely low prices grab attention.
• We move fast online. Quick buy buttons and countdown timers encourage impulsive clicks.
• Fake sites look real. Many scam pages are designed professionally, making them hard to spot.
• We trust familiar platforms. Even well-known sites can host fraudulent seller listings.
  
  

How to Protect Yourself While Online Shopping

Do a quick “trust check” on websites.

Before entering your payment info:

• Confirm the site address is correct.
• Look for clear return policies and real contact information.
• Search the business name + “reviews” to check for complaints.

Use Secure Payment Methods

A credit card is usually the safest option because you can dispute charges if something goes wrong. Avoid paying with gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps you’re not familiar with.

Be Cautious of Deals That Seem Unusually Cheap

If the price feels unrealistic, it probably is. Compare prices across multiple reputable sites before buying.

Track Your Orders Carefully

Legitimate sellers provide a tracking number. If you receive one that never activates or doesn’t match your order, contact the seller or your bank right away.

Keep Your Devices Secure

Update your antivirus software, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication wherever you can. These steps help block scammers who try to steal login info.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If something feels off, trust your instincts. You can:

• Contact Canyon View Credit Union immediately.
• Change your online and financial passwords.
• Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).

Online shopping should feel convenient not risky. By slowing down, double-checking unfamiliar sellers, and using safe payment methods, you can enjoy all the benefits of shopping online while keeping scammers at bay. Knowledge is your best defense. Stay sharp, shop smart, and protect your information every time you click “checkout.”

You can learn more about commons scams and fraud prevention here.