5 Online Shopping Scams You Haven’t Heard of Yet

The busy holiday season is fast approaching, when deals are everywhere and time is short. Online shopping lets you check off your gift list, all from the comfort of your home. But that convenience also gives scammers more chances to sneak in like a Grinch, with convincing offers and counterfeit products. From hard-to-find collectibles to limited-time sales, it pays to stay alert before you click “buy now.”

Whether saving up for something special or just trying to score a deal, here’s how to keep your personal and financial information safe from five online shopping scams you might not have heard of yet.

1. Counterfeit Collectibles: The Fake Labubu Frenzy

The viral Labubu toy craze has created a playground for scammers. These quirky collectibles by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, sold by Pop Mart, retail for about $20–$30, but rare versions now resell for thousands. That hype has sparked a flood of counterfeit “Lafufu” dolls and fake websites built to cash in.

McAfee reports that shoppers have lost hundreds of dollars to fake Labubu listings promoted through social media ads and cloned Pop Mart sites. The Better Business Bureau has logged over 70 complaints this year, with some victims losing up to $500 at one time. These operations use countdown timers, fake “official” pages, and payment apps like CashApp or Venmo to lure quick purchases, then disappear or ship cheap knockoffs.

Counterfeit toys aren’t just disappointing; they can be unsafe. Leigh Moyers of The Toy Association says real toys must meet 100+ federal safety standards, but counterfeit versions skip those rules, risking exposure to toxic materials or choking hazards. And fake storefronts don’t just steal your money, they often steal your data, too.

How to protect yourself:

• Buy from verified sources like Pop Mart’s official site or its Amazon store.
• Watch for red flags: suspiciously low prices, typos in URLs, or vague product descriptions.
• Pay safely. Use a credit card with fraud protection, never peer-to-peer apps.
• Double-check authenticity. Real Labubus have nine-pointed teeth, consistent coloring, and a Pop Mart logo on one foot.
• Do a quick search. Look up the seller’s name plus “scam,” or reverse image search photos before buying.

2. “Flash Sale” Phishing Sites

Losses to phishing, or fraudulent solicitation through emails or fake websites, during the holiday season in 2022 totalled over $73 million, with over 12k victims (Computer Security Resource Center). By masquerading as a legitimate business or reputable person, these fraudsters take advantage of the holiday cheer for nefarious purposes.

During the holiday season, scammers create entire websites that mimic real retailers, complete with countdown timers and “limited-time offers.” These sites collect your card information, then vanish, often before you realize your order was never processed.

How to protect yourself:

• Check the site’s URL carefully for typos or extra words (like “bestdeals-amazon.com”).
• Look for HTTPS in the address bar, which stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Secure is the word to pay attention to here. No padlock in the URL, no purchase.
• Search reviews of the site before entering payment details, as a form of social proof that the site both exists and is worth giving your money to.
• If you are still unsure, contact the official retailer through a verified site or app.

3. Marketplace “Overpayment” Scams

You list something online to sell, and a “buyer” sends you a payment that’s too much, asking you to refund the difference. Soon after, their original payment bounces, and you’re left covering both the lost money and your item. This form of check or third-party transfer fraud is still common, even as the use of checks for payments is declining.

How to protect yourself:

• Never refund money until the original payment has fully cleared.
• Avoid accepting checks or third-party transfers.
• Use the official payment tools within the marketplace, like Facebook Pay or eBay Payments.

4. Social Media Storefront Scams

A new form of phishing coincides with the growth of social media marketplaces, like Facebook and TikTok shops. Scammers know how to make an Instagram shop or TikTok ad look convincing. They’ll advertise trendy items like jewelry, electronics, and clothing, but after checkout, you’ll either receive a low-quality knockoff or nothing at all.

How to protect yourself:

• Research the business before buying. A missing website or “Contact Us” page is a red flag.
• Look up tagged posts or independent reviews.
• Pay attention to return policies, or the lack of one.
• Use secure checkout methods like PayPal or Apple Pay if you're paying through social media.

5. Fake Order or Delivery Alerts

In 2024, the biggest text scam came from fake delivery alerts pretending to be the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers send texts or emails claiming a problem with your package, asking you to “confirm your details” or pay a small delivery fee. These phishing links can install malware or steal your login credentials.

How to protect yourself:

• Don’t click tracking links in texts or emails.
• Visit the shipper’s official website and enter the tracking number directly.
• Never share your credit card information or account login through a link.
• Report suspicious messages to your delivery service or email provider.

Staying Safe While You Shop This Season

The holiday season brings great deals, limited releases, and plenty of excitement, but it’s also prime time for scammers to take advantage of distracted shoppers. Whether you’re hunting for a collectible gift or checking off your online wish list, a few extra minutes of caution can make all the difference.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Double-check sellers, stay alert for fake sites, and keep in mind that secure payment methods are your best defense. And remember, if you suspect that you could be a victim of financial fraud, our bank is always here to assist you with any concerns or queries.

Protect your wallet and your peace of mind this season by shopping smart and staying informed. Stay informed on the latest in financial security and fraud protection from our Fraud Fighters at First Seacoast Bank.