How to avoid online shopping scams
Most people who get scammed did nothing careless — they just saw a good deal. Here are the rules that stop the common traps, and what to do if you already paid.
Five rules before you pay
Pay with buyer protection
Card or a wallet with chargeback rights. Never bank transfer, gift cards or crypto.
Search the shop name
Search the shop name plus "scam" or "review". No history at all is an answer too.
Read the contact page
A real company name, address and registration number — or no purchase.
Distrust the timer
Countdowns and "2 left in stock" exist to stop you from checking.
Keep the evidence
Screenshots of the listing, price and order confirmation make a chargeback far easier.
Automate the check
The extension checks the store for you while you browse, before you forget to.
If you already paid
Contact your bank or card issuer the same day and ask for a chargeback, change any reused password, and report the shop to your national consumer authority. The faster you act, the more likely the money comes back.