Checked
Written from official fraud-agency notices. Every figure and piece of advice is checked against the sources listed at the bottom.
What we found
Set out in the same plain format as reader reports.
- What kind of scam?
- Fake shops and sellers
- In short
- Scammers copy a popular store or set up a fake profile on a real marketplace. The price looks like a bargain and the goods never come.
- How does it reach you?
- Website or social media
- What does the message look like?
- Example advert written by us.70% OFF today only. Famous sneakers $39. Only 3 left. cheapshoes-outlet.example
- How can you spot it?
- A price far below the market
Compare with a trusted seller. - No terms, privacy policy or business number
Missing or broken links to policy pages are a warning. - Unusual payment methods
Money orders, pre-loaded cards, gift cards, or several different accounts to pay. - A payee name that does not match
Scamwatch: if the account holder does not match the business, do not pay.
- A price far below the market
- Is it growing?
- It is active now
- Where do I report it?
- Scamwatch (Australia)
scamwatch.gov.au - FTC ReportFraud (US)
reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Scamwatch (Australia)
If this happened to you
- Do not rely on the first search result. Find the official site yourself.
- Look for extra dashes or symbols in the web address, and check the contact page.
- Confirm the payee name matches before you pay. Prefer the payment method the platform recommends.
- If you were scammed, contact your bank or card provider right away and ask them to stop transactions. Change passwords and cut contact with the seller.
Sources (1)
Sources
- Scamwatch (National Anti-Scam Centre, Australia): Buying and selling scams (Checked 18 Oct 2026)