Shopping Scams Are Surging: How to Spot and Stop Them Before You Lose Money

Online shopping has never been more convenient—or more dangerous for your wallet. A recent report from Belarus showed that in a single day, authorities logged 400 scam attempts targeting online shoppers. While that number may seem far away, the tactics used there are the same ones hitting marketplaces like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Amazon every day. Here’s what happened, why it matters for you, and how to keep your money safe.

What Happened

On May 12, 2026, Belarusian media outlet Belsat.eu reported that the country’s cybercrime division recorded 400 online shopping fraud attempts in one 24‑hour period. Scammers set up fake listings for popular items such as electronics, furniture, and clothing. They pressured buyers to pay via wire transfers or prepaid cards, often pretending to be legitimate sellers on classified ads sites. After payment, the buyers received nothing—or a cheap counterfeit—and the scammer disappeared.

This is not an isolated event. Globally, online shopping fraud has been rising. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission reported that online shopping scams were the second most common type of fraud reported in 2025, costing consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Why It Matters

Scams like these thrive because they exploit the trust and speed of digital transactions. When you see a deal that seems too good to be true, the scammer knows you might act quickly before verifying the seller. They create a sense of urgency—“Only two left!” or “Sale ends in 30 minutes”—to short‑circuit your judgement.

The anonymity of the internet makes it hard to track down fraudsters. They often use fake names, stolen photos, and temporary email addresses. Even if you report them, the money sent via irreversible methods like wire transfer or gift cards is almost impossible to recover.

The Belarus example shows just how many attempts can happen in a single day. If 400 attempts occur in one country, the total across all markets is likely far higher. The problem is global, and your defenses are the same no matter where you live.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. These practical steps cut down the risk dramatically.

1. Verify the seller before you pay

Look for verified seller badges, check their history on platforms like eBay or Amazon, and search for reviews outside the site. On Facebook Marketplace or local classifieds, ask for a phone call or video of the item. If the seller hesitates or gives an excuse, walk away.

2. Spot common red flags

  • Too‑good‑to‑be‑true prices – A new smartphone for half its retail price is almost certainly a scam.
  • Grammar errors and vague listings – Many scammers copy‑paste descriptions from other sites quickly.
  • Requests to pay outside the platform – If a seller asks you to send money via PayPal Friends & Family, Zelle, CashApp, or a wire transfer, that’s a major warning sign. Legitimate sellers accept payment methods that offer buyer protection (credit cards, PayPal Goods & Services, platform checkout).
  • Pressure to act fast – Scammers want you to skip your normal vetting process.

3. Use secure payment methods

Credit cards and PayPal (when using the “Goods & Services” option) give you a way to dispute a charge if the item never arrives or is significantly different. Avoid bank transfers, money orders, cryptocurrency, and gift cards. Those are virtually untraceable.

4. Enable two‑factor authentication on your accounts

This adds an extra layer of security. Even if a scammer gets your password, they won’t be able to log in without the second code sent to your phone or email. Do this for your email, payment accounts, and any marketplace you use.

5. Keep records

Screenshots of the listing, your conversation with the seller, payment confirmation, and receipts can help you prove your case if you need to file a fraud report.

What to do if you are scammed

Act fast:

  • Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to try to reverse the payment.
  • Change passwords for your email and any accounts the scammer might have accessed.
  • File a report with your local police and the country’s consumer protection agency (in the U.S., that’s the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov). Also report the scam to the platform where you found the listing.
  • Let your friends and family know—the scammers may try to use your name to trick them next.

Sources

  • Belsat.eu, “Online shopping fraud leads as Belarusians report 400 scam attempts in one day,” May 12, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2025,” February 2026. (Most recent annual report available showing fraud ranking.)