Online Shopping Scams

1 in 3 Americans Have Been Hit by an Online Shopping Scam: Here’s How to Stay Safe If you’ve ever bought something online that never arrived, received a counterfeit product, or clicked a link in an email that turned out to be a phishing attempt, you’re far from alone. According to a November 2025 report from the Pew Research Center, about a third of U.S. adults say they have experienced an online shopping scam. With the holiday shopping season already underway and online transactions at record levels, the risk of falling victim is higher than ever. This article breaks down what the data tells us about the most common scams, how to spot them before you lose money, and what to do if you think you’ve been taken. ...

Bought it, never got it: 5 ways online shopping scams are evolving (and how to spot them) It’s a scenario that’s becoming all too familiar: you find a great deal online, make the payment, and wait. Days pass. The delivery updates stop. The seller stops responding. You never receive the item. ...

Bought It, Never Got It: How Online Shopping Scams Are Evolving If you have ever placed an order online, received a convincing tracking link, and then waited weeks for a package that never arrived, you are not alone. Online shopping scams are becoming more frequent—and more difficult to spot. Scammers are moving beyond obvious phishing emails into tactics that mimic legitimate sellers, delivery services, and even trusted marketplaces. Understanding how these scams work is the first step to avoiding them. ...

Got scammed on an online purchase? Here’s how to spot the latest shopping frauds You found a great deal on a gadget you’ve been eyeing. The price is significantly lower than anywhere else. The website looks professional, has customer reviews, and even offers a discount code. You pay. Days pass. Then weeks. The order status never changes, and the seller stops replying to your emails. You have paid for something you will never receive. ...

Title: Online Shopping Scams Are on the Rise — Here’s How to Protect Yourself Intro In late June 2026, Hong Kong police arrested 78 suspects in connection with a series of online shopping scams that defrauded victims out of about HK$5 million (roughly US$640,000). The operation was the latest in a string of crackdowns by Hong Kong authorities, who arrested 114 people in a separate case in 2024 involving losses of HK$73 million. These numbers are not just a local problem—they reflect a global surge in shopping fraud that shows no signs of slowing. ...

78 Arrested in Hong Kong Online Shopping Scam Bust: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Hong Kong police recently arrested 78 people in connection with an online shopping scam ring that defrauded victims of at least HK$5 million (roughly US$640,000). The operation, which involved fake websites and phishing tactics, is a reminder that shopping scams are not just minor annoyances—they can cost real money and are becoming more organized. Here’s what happened, why it matters for everyday shoppers, and how you can avoid falling into similar traps. ...

Online Shopping Scams: Lessons from a $5 Million Hong Kong Bust and How to Protect Yourself Recent news from Hong Kong offers a stark reminder that online shopping scams are not just minor annoyances—they are organized, well-funded operations. In late June 2026, Hong Kong police arrested 78 suspects linked to a series of online shopping scams totaling roughly HK$5 million (about US$640,000). The ring allegedly used fake websites, impersonated legitimate sellers, and deployed phishing tactics to trick shoppers out of their money. While the bust happened in Asia, the same techniques are used worldwide, including in the United States and Europe. ...

How to Spot an Online Shopping Scam: Tips to Keep Your Money Safe Recent police raids in Hong Kong shut down a major online shopping scam ring, but the tactics used are far from unique. Whether you’re buying on a marketplace, a social media ad, or a new website, the warning signs are often the same. Here’s what happened and what you can do to protect yourself. ...

Online Shopping Scams: What the Hong Kong $5 Million Bust Teaches Us If you’ve ever hesitated before clicking “Buy Now” on an unbelievably low-priced item, you’re not alone. A recent police operation in Hong Kong offers a stark reminder that online shopping scams are not just annoyances—they are organized, costly, and increasingly sophisticated. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Online Shopping Scams: Lessons from a $5 Million Fraud Bust Hong Kong police announced last week the arrest of 78 people linked to a series of online shopping scams that defrauded victims of about HK$5 million (roughly US$640,000). The operation, reported by the South China Morning Post on June 29, 2026, involved fake e-commerce sites, phishing messages, and promises of goods that never arrived. While the suspects have been taken into custody, the methods they used are still circulating globally. For anyone who shops online—especially on unfamiliar websites or cross-border platforms—this case is a reminder to stay alert. ...