Fake Webshops
Copycat stores that take your money and never ship—or steal card details.
What is this scam?
Fake webshops mimic legitimate brands with stolen logos, too-good-to-be-true prices, and copied product photos.
Victims pay for goods that never arrive, or card details are harvested at checkout.
How it works
- Ads or social posts promote extreme discounts on popular items.
- The site looks professional but was registered recently and lacks real company details.
- Checkout may only offer unusual payment methods or redirect to another domain.
- After payment, tracking numbers never appear or customer service stops responding.
Warning signs
- Prices far below every other retailer
- No verifiable business address, chamber of commerce number, or VAT ID
- Only contact via generic email or chat widget
- Poor grammar or mismatched currency and shipping regions
- HTTPS padlock present but domain name is unrelated to the brand
What to do
- Stop payment if still possible—contact your bank or card issuer.
- Screenshot the site, order confirmation, and ads for evidence.
- Report the store URL to consumer protection and scam reporting bodies.
- Dispute the charge with your payment provider where applicable.
- Run future shop links through Fraudly before entering card details.
Safety checklist
- Check domain age and SSL with Fraudly before checkout
- Search for independent reviews outside the shop’s own site
- Prefer well-known marketplaces with buyer protection
- Avoid bank transfers to private individuals for “deals”
- Use virtual cards or wallet services with chargeback options when possible
Check a website before you pay
Paste a shop or payment link into Fraudly's free checker—get trust signals before you share card details or log in.
Check a website before you payFrequently asked questions
- Does a padlock icon mean a shop is safe?
- No. Encryption only protects data in transit—it does not prove the business is legitimate.
- Can I get money back from a fake webshop?
- Sometimes via chargeback or bank fraud teams—act quickly and keep documentation. Fraudly cannot recover funds.
Related scam guides
Marketplace Scams
Fake buyers and sellers on classifieds and marketplaces targeting your money or goods.
Read guidePhishing Emails
Fake emails that steal passwords, payment details, or install malware.
Read guideFake Invoice Scams
Modified bank details on invoices or entirely fabricated bills from “suppliers.”
Read guideCrypto Investment Scams
Promises of guaranteed returns via apps, Telegram groups, or fake exchanges.
Read guide
Fraudly is not a law enforcement agency. We provide informational guidance and links to official reporting organisations.
Related Fraudly resources
- Website scam checkerRun a free URL check for trust signals, scam patterns, and plain-language risk context.
- Scam awareness certificateTest your scam detection skills and earn a shareable Fraudly certificate.
- Download Fraudly appGet the iOS app or Chrome extension for on-the-go website trust checks.
- Fraudly PremiumDeep Scan and Live Protection in Chrome—website scans stay free.
- Scam alertsPublished threat alerts with context on emerging phishing and scam campaigns.
- Intelligence HubEditorial guides on fake webshops, phishing, and warning signs before you pay or log in.
