Online Shopping Safety: Scams & Tips
Older adults are increasingly targeted by online shopping scams. This guide explains how to verify reviews, identify fake sellers, and protect your financial information.
Online shopping offers convenience, but scammers are increasingly targeting older adults with fake reviews, counterfeit goods, and impersonation tactics. To stay safe, always verify the secure padlock icon (https) before entering payment details, use credit cards for better fraud protection, and report suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For more information, see FTC online shopping guidance from the Federal Trade Commission.
Why Are Older Adults Targeted for Online Scams?
Scammers often view older adults as more trusting and less likely to report fraud immediately. Data from the Independent Age organization indicates that nearly three in five people aged over 65 have been targeted by fraud or scams. In 2025, Pew Research Center reported that one in three American adults had an experience where an item did not arrive, was counterfeit, or was not refunded. Scammers exploit this vulnerability by using artificial intelligence to create convincing fake stores and reviews. A report by TRM Labs showed that AI-enabled fraud cases grew by 456 percent in recent years, making it harder for shoppers to distinguish between legitimate offers and traps.
How Do Fake Reviews Mislead Shoppers?
Trust in customer reviews is a major weakness that scammers exploit. A tactic known as review hijacking involves scammers taking over listings for legitimate products that have five-star ratings and replacing the item with a counterfeit or low-quality version. The positive reviews remain visible, leading buyers to purchase the wrong item. Amazon stated that it blocked over 250 million suspected fake reviews in recent years to combat this issue. Shoppers should read the text of reviews rather than just relying on star ratings, as scammers rarely update the written comments to match the new, fake product.
What Are the Signs of a Third-Party Seller Scam?
Marketplaces like Amazon allow third-party sellers to list items, which can increase risk. Common red flags include prices that seem too good to be true, sellers with no review history, and listings that sell out instantly only to reappear with a new seller name. Scammers may also engage in unauthorized reselling, listing brands they have no rights to sell. To verify a seller, check their contact information and avoid those who communicate only through encrypted messaging apps. The Better Business Bureau can help verify the legitimacy of online stores before you make a purchase.
How Can You Verify a Website Is Legitimate?
Before entering personal information, look for specific security indicators. The address bar should display https rather than http, indicating an encrypted connection. However, a padlock icon does not guarantee the site is trustworthy; it only confirms the connection is secure. Scammers often copy the look of major brands, creating phishing sites that mimic Amazon or Apple. CloudSEK detected over 2,000 fake holiday-themed stores in November 2025 that mimicked these brands. Menlo Security reported that just over half of browser-based phishing attempts in recent years involved brand impersonation. Always type the store URL directly into your browser rather than clicking links in emails or texts.
Why Should You Use a Credit Card for Online Purchases?
Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections than debit cards or cash. Under federal law, your liability for unauthorized credit card charges is limited to $50. Most issuers will refund charges if you report them promptly. In contrast, debit card charges are taken directly from your bank account, making it harder to recover funds if a scam occurs. If a seller disputes a charge, the credit card company often resolves the issue while the bank covers the cost. This makes credit cards the safest option for online transactions, especially for older adults who may be less familiar with digital dispute processes.
What Red Flags Should You Watch for?
Scammers use psychological triggers like urgency and scarcity to force impulsive buying. A 2025 e-commerce report found that 70 percent of shoppers bought items they would not normally purchase when offered a discount. Look for these warning signs:
- Too-good-to-be-true prices: If a deal is significantly cheaper than competitors, it is likely a scam.
- Unusual payment requests: Legitimate retailers do not ask for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Urgency tactics: Countdown timers and claims that a sale is ending soon are designed to bypass your critical thinking.
- Contact mismatches: If the website domain differs from the brand name, be cautious.
For example, a fraud prevention platform SEON reported that fraud charges increased five-fold on Black Friday compared to baseline levels. Shoppers should pause and verify the offer through the official company website or customer service number before proceeding.
How Do Phishing Emails Target Shoppers?
Phishing emails impersonate banks or retailers to steal login credentials. Scammers often create a sense of urgency by claiming your account is locked or an order has a delivery issue. They may ask you to click a link to verify information. The Federal Trade Commission advises that you should never share your Social Security number or full credit card details via email. Check the sender’s email address carefully; scammers often use addresses that are off by just one or two letters. If you receive an unsolicited message asking for personal data, delete it and log in to the retailer’s official site directly to check your account status.
What Steps Should You Take If You Are Scammed?
If you suspect a scam, act quickly to limit your losses. First, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Second, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also notify your state Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau. If you shared personal information, such as your Social Security number, contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert. This prevents scammers from opening new accounts in your name. For items that are counterfeit or did not arrive, keep records of all communications with the seller and the retailer’s customer service team.
How Can You Report Suspected Counterfeit Goods?
If you receive a counterfeit item, report it to the retailer’s intellectual property protection team. eBay, for example, acquired 3PM Shield to use AI for detecting counterfeit sellers. Etsy also provides a portal for reporting copyright violations. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigates products that pose safety risks. If a fake product is dangerous, report it to the CPSC online. Do not resell the item as authentic, as this is illegal and violates consumer protection laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to shop on third-party marketplaces?
Yes, if you verify the seller and use secure payment methods. Read reviews carefully and check the seller’s history. Use credit cards for purchases to maintain dispute rights, and avoid sellers who pressure you for unusual payment methods like wire transfers.
How do I spot a fake review?
Look for reviews that are too generic, posted in clusters on the same day, or that describe a different product than the one listed. If the photos in the reviews do not match the current product listing, the reviews may have been hijacked by a scammer.
What should I do if I receive a phishing email?
Do not click any links or attachments. Delete the email immediately. Log in to the retailer’s website by typing the URL directly into your browser to check your account status. Report the email to the Federal Trade Commission to help track these scams.
Can I get my money back if a scam occurs?
It is possible, especially if you used a credit card. Contact your bank immediately to initiate a dispute. For unreported cases, success is lower. Prevention is key, so always verify the seller and use secure sites before purchasing.
Do older adults have more risk of online fraud?
While anyone can be targeted, data suggests older adults are frequently targeted due to perceived trustfulness. Staying informed about current scam tactics and using multi-factor authentication on online accounts can significantly reduce this risk.