Online Shopping Scam Alert: Fake Stores, Bogus Deals & Unexpected Packages Target Consumers

Federal officials are warning online shoppers about increasingly deceptive scams involving fake retail websites, social media advertisements, and unsolicited deliveries.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), shopping scams were the most frequently reported type of fraud originating on social media in 2025.

In an August 2026 warning, the FTC reported that consumers lost more than $95 million in 2025 to scams that began with purchases made through social media advertisements.

⚠️ Three Online Shopping Scams to Watch

🔴 1. Fake Online Stores and Social Media Deals

Scammers create convincing advertisements offering expensive products at deeply discounted prices. Shoppers may unknowingly visit imitation retail websites, pay for merchandise, and receive counterfeit products—or nothing at all.

🔴 2. Unexpected Package Scams

In August 2026, the FTC warned about brushing scams, where consumers receive inexpensive products they never ordered. Scammers may use recipients’ names to create fake positive reviews. Some packages contain QR codes that direct consumers to phishing websites.

🔴 3. Fake Business Websites

In September 2026, the FTC warned that criminals were impersonating legitimate farm equipment dealers online, collecting large payments for machinery that never arrived.

🛑 Protect Yourself Before Buying

• Research unfamiliar businesses before placing orders.
• Be suspicious of extreme discounts and limited-time offers.
• Use credit cards when possible for stronger dispute protections.
• Avoid unfamiliar sellers demanding wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Never scan suspicious QR codes inside unexpected packages.
• Save receipts, order confirmations, and communications.

Got Ripped Off? Tell the World.

If you’ve experienced an online shopping scam, disputed charge, or unresolved business complaint, RipOffWire provides a place to share your experience.

Visit RipOffWire.com to file a consumer complaint.

Suspected fraud can also be reported to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Alerts, August–September 2026.