400 Scam Attempts in One Day: What Online Shoppers Need to Know

On May 12, 2026, authorities in Belarus reported 400 online shopping scam attempts in a single day, according to the news site Belsat. That number is striking not just because of its size, but because it highlights a pattern that shoppers everywhere face: fraudsters are becoming more aggressive, and they often target the same habits we all rely on for convenience.

This article uses that incident as a starting point to explain what’s happening, why it matters to anyone who shops online, and how to reduce your risk — whether you live in Minsk or Minneapolis.

What happened

According to Belsat, the Belarusian police registered roughly 400 attempted online shopping frauds on May 12. The scammers focused on fake online stores and phishing messages designed to look like order confirmations from legitimate retailers. While the report does not specify how many people lost money, the sheer volume of attempts suggests an organized operation.

This is not an isolated event. Similar surges have been reported in other countries as criminals seize on the rapid growth of e‑commerce. The tactics are nearly identical everywhere: create a convincing copy of a real store, advertise heavily on social media, and pressure shoppers with limited‑time deals.

Why it matters

Online shopping fraud is a global problem. The Federal Trade Commission in the United States, for example, received more than 2.4 million fraud reports in 2023, with online shopping being one of the top categories. In the UK, Action Fraud reported over £200 million lost to online shopping scams in 2023.

The Belarus example is useful because it shows scale. Four hundred attempts in one day is a reminder that fraud is not a rare event: it is a routine threat. Most of these scams follow a few predictable patterns, and understanding them is the first line of defense.

Common tactics include:

  • Phishing emails or texts that appear to come from a well‑known retailer, asking you to confirm a purchase or update payment details.
  • Fake websites that mimic stores like Amazon, eBay, or local platforms. The URL may differ by just one character.
  • Social media ads promoting items at extremely low prices, often with stolen images from legitimate sellers.
  • Invoice fraud where you receive a bill for something you never ordered, hoping you’ll pay without checking.

What readers can do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few straightforward habits can cut your risk significantly.

1. Verify the seller before you buy.
If you’re on a site you’ve never used before, search for reviews — but be cautious: fake reviews are common. Check independent sources like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau. Look for contact information and a physical address. If the only way to reach them is a web form, that’s a red flag.

2. Examine the URL and website design.
Scammers often register domains that look similar to real ones. For example, “amaz0n‑deals.com” instead of “amazon.com.” Check for typos, unusual extensions (.xyz, .top), and poor grammar. Legitimate retailers rarely pressure you with countdown timers or “only 2 items left” messages — scammers rely on urgency.

3. Use secure payment methods.
Credit cards and payment services like PayPal offer fraud protection that wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency do not. If a seller insists on payment via wire transfer or prepaid card, stop. That is almost always a scam.

4. Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on shopping accounts.
This adds an extra step — a code sent to your phone, for instance — that makes it harder for someone to access your account even if they steal your password.

5. Monitor your accounts regularly.
Set up alerts for transactions over a certain amount. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, report it to your bank immediately. The sooner you act, the easier it is to reverse the transaction.

6. Know where to report.
In the US, you can file a complaint with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In the UK, use Action Fraud. In Belarus, the Ministry of Internal Affairs handles such reports. Your bank can also guide you through the process.

Sources

  • Belsat. “Online shopping fraud leads as Belarusians report 400 scam attempts in one day.” May 12, 2026. (Referenced by Google News RSS feed.)
  • Federal Trade Commission. “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023.” February 2024.
  • Action Fraud. “Fraud Crime Trends 2023.” UK National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.