Dubious fake shops lure people with desired products

The Internet has established itself as the preferred shopping destination for Germans. But this boom also attracts fraudsters. According to a current list from the Hamburg Consumer Center, there are numerous online shops that customers should avoid. These fraudsters, so-called fake shops, lure people with unbeatably low prices for sought-after products. But after the customer orders and pays, the promised product does not arrive. This turns the supposed bargain into a black hole for hard-earned euros.

Rising Online Purchases: A Gold Mine for Fraudsters

Online shopping is on the rise. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 82 percent of German internet users between the ages of 16 and 74 will shop online in 2021. This puts Germany in seventh place for online shoppers in the EU. The research and education institute EHI confirms this trend and reports gross sales of over 100 billion euros for online and mail order sales, a growth of 19 percent compared to the previous year. But as online shopping grows, so does the risk of fraud.

Recognize and avoid fake shops

Fake shops are often only online temporarily and can hardly be distinguished from legitimate websites at first glance. The operators of these sites attach great importance to a professional appearance, which hardly distinguishes them from reputable providers. The Hamburg consumer advice center has now an alphabetically sorted list of suspicious online shops with explanations.

Customers who have fallen for this scam usually have little chance of getting their money back. Even if online contracts can be revoked, this is of little use if the shop no longer exists or does not respond to inquiries. The consumer advice center recommends that affected customers contact their bank immediately and reverse the payment. It is also possible to report the matter to the police, even if the order was placed some time ago.

Tips for safety when shopping online

Experts advise against buying from shops that do not have the correct legal notice and require payment in advance. Instead, consumers should only pay after receiving the goods or by direct debit. Another extensive list of fraudulent online shops can also be found on the “Watchlist Internet” website. The North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Center also offers the online tool “Fakeshop Finder”, which customers can use to check the legitimacy of a shop before placing an order.

Overall, the booming online market requires consumers to be more vigilant to protect themselves from fraudulent fake shops.

Also read: Fake travel offers: How deepfakes are shaking the travel industry

Source:

Hamburg Consumer Center


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