Merchandise or services fraud
Criminals offer products or services through fake online shops. The goods or services that are ordered are then either not delivered or are delivered in substandard quality. These shops often look deceptively similar to genuine, reputable online shops and attract customers with particularly low prices.
Typical warning signs
Be suspicious if:
the prices are unusually low and significantly lower than those of comparable shops;
you are put under time pressure by a countdown or limited-time offers;
payment can only be made in advance;
the Legal Notice page is missing or incomplete, or the General Terms and Conditions are not available on the website;
the web address (URL) is unusual or contains spelling mistakes;
There are no reviews, or there are an unusually large number of very positive and identical reviews.
Here’s how to protect yourself
Only shop at reputable online shops. Investigate unfamiliar shops, for example, via Trustedshops.
Before making a purchase, check that key details such as the supplier’s name and address, the Legal Notice page, warranty, return and cancellation policies, as well as delivery and payment terms, are easy to find.
Compare prices with other online shops. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
Do not make any advance payments to unknown or unverifiable suppliers.
Very carefully read reviews on platforms such as Trustpilot or Google with a critical eye.
Types of fraud
Phishing
Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards. Read moreTypes of fraud
Account takeover
Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments. Read moreTypes of fraud
Advance fee fraud
Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains. Read moreTypes of fraud
Classified ad fraud
Criminals pose as buyers and steal payment or card details via fake websites. Read moreTypes of fraud
Support fraud
Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device. Read moreTypes of fraud
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money. Read moreTypes of fraud
Investment fraud
Criminals attract people with the promise of large profits and subsequently swindle them out of their money. Read more
Types of fraud
Phishing
Criminals trick their victims into disclosing their login details for bank accounts, TWINT or payment cards.
Types of fraud
Account takeover
Fraudsters steal login details and take over accounts in order to make payments.
Types of fraud
Advance fee fraud
Criminals lure people into making payments with exaggerated promises or bargains.
Types of fraud
Classified ad fraud
Criminals pose as buyers and steal payment or card details via fake websites.
Types of fraud
Support fraud
Criminals pose as support staff in order to gain access to your data, money or control over your device.
Types of fraud
Romance scams
Criminals pretend to be romantically involved with their intended victim online in order to obtain money.