Online Shopping Scams: Real Stories, Real Lessons

Online shopping scams are a growing problem. More and more people are falling for these tricks. These scams are sneaky ways to steal from shoppers. They are becoming more common every day. This article will talk about these scams. We aim to help shoppers avoid getting tricked.

Many consumers have already fallen victim. They have lost money and trust. Our focus is on these victims. We want to help them and others stay safe online. Scammers target people who are looking for good deals. They pretend to sell popular items at low prices. But their real goal is to take your money without sending the items.

It’s essential to be aware of these scams. Knowledge can help shoppers protect themselves. By knowing what to look for, shoppers can avoid these scams. We’ll guide you through spotting and avoiding these online traps. This way, you can shop online with confidence and safety.

Types of Online Shopping Scams

There are various types of online shopping scams. One common type is selling counterfeit products. Scammers sell fake items, pretending they are real and valuable. This way, they trick people into paying more for less valuable items.

Phishing is another common scam. Here, scammers trick shoppers into giving personal information. They do this by creating fake websites or links. These sites look genuine and trustworthy. But, they are traps to steal your personal and payment information.

False advertising is also widespread. In this scam, products are advertised in a very appealing way. The actual products are different from the advertisements. They might be of lower quality or different from what was shown.

In all scams, the goal is to trick people. Scammers want to steal money or personal information. By knowing these scams, shoppers can be more careful. Understanding how each scam works is the first step to staying safe. Knowledge helps people avoid falling for these tricks. It is crucial to stay updated and aware. So everyone can shop online safely and confidently.

Real-life Stories of Victims

In this section, we analyze real stories of scam victims, breaking down how the scam was executed in each story.

Poawed.com

On October 25, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $44.60:

I ordered merchandise from the company Poawed.com. The email confirmed payment and they sent tracking numbers, but no carrier name, as they said the package was delivered, but I checked and never got it.

The customer ordered merchandise from Poawed.com. They received an email confirming their payment. The company also provided tracking numbers. However, no carrier name was given. The company claimed the package was delivered. But the customer checked, and there was no package.

So, what went wrong? The scam seems to have several steps. First, the company gained trust by confirming payment. They made the customer believe the order was processed. Sending tracking numbers was the second step. It made the scam seem more real. However, not providing a carrier name was a red flag. It made tracking the package difficult. Claiming the package was delivered was the final step. It puts the responsibility on the customer.

In this case, the company used common tactics. They gave just enough information to seem real. But they didn’t provide crucial details, making it hard to trace the order. Customers should be cautious. They should ensure a company is trustworthy before making a purchase. It helps to prevent falling victim to such scams. In the future, always look for reviews and ratings of online stores. These can provide insights into the store’s reliability. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay alert to protect yourself from scams.

Poawed.com Review – Is Poawrd an Online Shopping Scam?

Poawed.com was registered through the Chinese registrar Alibaba Cloud Computing Ltd. for one year on September 1, 2023. It is registered to the name of Guang Dong from China. The domain is protected by Cloudflare and hosted by Alibaba. The website has 3 backlinks from 2 referring domains.

The website is not indexed on Google.

According to their Contact Us page, this is their information:

• Company Name: Novva Limited
• Company Address: Flat 1512, 15/F, Lucky Centre, No. 165-171 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

Poawed.com focuses on selling clothing items. The primary offerings include color ramie cotton pants, wide-leg linen pants, hoodies, t-shirt dresses, and various shirts. They also showcase dresses with both contemporary and vintage designs, scarves, and jumpsuits. The site caters to a wide range of tastes, offering simple and more fashionable designs.

A key piece of contact information provided is an email address: support@poawed.com. No other direct contact details, like phone numbers, are present. Similarly, there aren’t any mentions of social media accounts. Additionally, the website lists standard policies such as shipping, return and exchange, and terms and conditions. An “Affiliate Partnerprogram” is mentioned, suggesting they may have partnerships or referral programs.

However, there are some red flags. The website lacks a transparent company background or regulatory information. No details about the company’s history or founders are shared. Such omissions can be concerning for potential buyers.

Lastly, the website domain, “poawed.com,” doesn’t appear to be related to clothing or fashion, which can sometimes indicate a hastily set-up site, a trait common in scam websites.

In summary, while the website provides a range of clothing items, the absence of critical company information and certain red flags suggest potential risks for users. It’s advisable to approach with caution.

Poawed Reviews

Poawed.com was reviewed on two platforms: ScamDoc and EvenInsight. Both platforms warn about its legitimacy. ScamDoc gives Poawed.com a trust score of 1%. The site has been around for less than six months. Its domain will expire in less than a year. The owner’s details are only partially visible. They’re based in China. There are no user reviews on ScamDoc for this website yet.

EvenInsight echoes these concerns. It gives Poawed.com a safety score of 0 out of 100. This means the site is risky. Poawed.com’s server is in Los Angeles. The domain started in September 2023. The platform advises against using this site. They suggest choosing the Cash on Delivery (COD) payment method if buying for the first time. They also warn about potential fake online reviews.

Another platform, Scamadviser, rates Poawed.com low, too. It has a trust score of 1 out of 100. This platform suggests that Poawed.com might be a scam. Some good points exist. The site has a valid SSL certificate. DNSFilter and Flashstart found no threats. However, there are several red flags. The site owner hides their identity. The site is new and doesn’t attract many visitors. It’s hosted in a high-risk country. Other low-rated websites share its server. In conclusion, all reviews advise caution when using Poawed.com.

Additional Online Shopping Scam Reports

On October 26, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $150:

I was making a purchase online, and I was sent to an online tracking app for my package. I was told I would have to pay for insurance on the package and that I would get a 99% refund once my delivery was made. Now, I’m not sure if the site is legit anymore.

The person tried to make an online purchase. They were directed to an online tracking app. Here, they faced a twist. They were asked to pay insurance on the package. The person was promised a 99% refund after delivery. But now, doubts about the site’s legitimacy have arisen.

So, how did the scam unfold? First, the scammer used an online tracking app. This app was likely part of the trap. It made the process seem official and secure. Next, the scammer introduced the idea of package insurance. This extra step created confusion. It also allowed the scammer to ask for more money.

The promise of a 99% refund was the bait. It made the person believe they would get most of their money back. The scam made the person pay upfront, adding to their losses.

This scam shows the craftiness of scammers. They use multiple steps to make their trap seem real. Being cautious with extra, unexpected charges is essential. It can help in avoiding such scams. Always double-check a website’s legitimacy. Look for reviews or any signs of suspicious activity. This approach will help in identifying and preventing potential scams in online shopping. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Stay alert and stay safe.

On October 28, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for 110000 Nepali Rupees (almost $1K):

I ordered an iPhone from Terim Electronic Gadgets Online USA, but I doubt its legitimacy as a U.S.-based company because it only accepts payments through a Nepalese bank lacking international payment methods. Initially, a 7k advance payment was requested, which I paid. Subsequently, additional amounts were demanded for shipping, licenses, and GST, totaling significant extra costs. Despite making these payments, I haven’t received the phone. When I asked for a refund, the individual disrespectfully refused, even resorting to derogatory comments. I have retained all necessary proofs, such as payment receipts and chat histories, along with the bank account QR code used for transactions.

On October 30, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for $161.99:

I tried to order clothes, food, and hygiene products for my husband in jail through a website that claimed to handle inmate commissaries. However, they never sent the packages. They informed me that they accepted payment through Cash App, but after receiving the money, they changed their information. I have been calling, leaving voicemails, and emailing them repeatedly, but I haven’t received any response. It seems that many others have been scammed by this website, too. Since I made the payment through Cash App, I have been unable to get a refund.

Complaints We Received in November 2023

I purchased the “company” NexiumDeals after seeing an advertisement on Instagram. However, I never received my package. I can’t even call them to inquire because their provided phone number is fake. Later on, I noticed an unauthorized charge on my card.

A customer was defrauded by the website air-straight.com, which led to a series of misleading transactions and the abrupt disappearance of the seller’s eBay account:

I was scammed by a fraudulent seller from the website air-straight.com. To elaborate, after purchasing on their eBay account and being redirected to their website, I paid for a product using PayPal. However, they initially did not have a PayPal account set up, which I discovered when inquiring about the shipment of my order. They informed me that my payment had not been received and that they would ship the item upon receipt. I found that the payment was pending because they lacked a PayPal account. After I pointed this out, they created an account, accepted my payment, and subsequently, their eBay account disappeared the following day.

Additionally, they posted fake reviews on their website and continued to add new products. I strongly advise against purchasing anything from air-straight.com, regardless of the seemingly good discounts. I wish I had the resources to shut down their website.

An alarming incident has emerged where a customer’s order for an iPhone 14 Pro Max went undelivered:

I ordered an iPhone 14 Pro Max and never received it.

Recently, a victim encountered a fraudulent website masquerading as Nautica, leading to multiple unauthorized charges and non-delivery of products, as detailed in their experience below:

I tried to order something from the Nautica website through a PayPal deals page. However, the website charged me $49.07 five times for the exact same item, which I never received. I am currently trying to cancel these transactions, but they are not allowing any cancellations. I want to warn people about what is happening with Nautica before the holiday season starts. The website doesn’t seem to give an option to submit your order, but in reality, the order is being submitted. They make you attempt to submit your order at least seven times, and then they start charging you.

On November 17, 2023, we received the following complaint from a person who reported being scammed for almost $200:

I was ordering from Temu, and right after I entered my Visa debit card details, money was withdrawn from my account. I have used this card exclusively with Temu.

On November 20, 2023, we received the following complaint:

I was scammed out of 6k through cryptocurrency and thought I was getting a new car.

Jarvinpowertools.com

Navigating the world of online shopping can be a treacherous endeavor, as the convenience of purchasing goods from the comfort of one’s home is not without its risks. A case in point is the experiences shared by consumers regarding jarvinpowertools.com, a site that promotes itself as the leading distributor of equipment and tools.

While some online validators like Scam Detector and Even Insight have given jarvinpowertools.com favorable reviews, suggesting it is a legitimate website, other reviews and consumer feedback tell a different story. Sites such as Web Paranoid and Scamdoc.com employ various analytical tools to assess the legitimacy of online stores, often flagging those with suspicious activity.

In this perplexing mix of feedback, users must exercise due diligence and remain vigilant for potential warning signs.

One such incident, reflecting the potential pitfalls of e-commerce, involves a customer’s troubling experience with jarvinpowertools.com regarding the purchase of a log splitter, which raises serious concerns about the site’s business practices:

I ordered a Gravely 34-ton log splitter from the website jarvinpowertools.com. It was supposed to arrive by October 30th, 2023, but the tracking information still indicates that it’s in New York since that date. My repeated calls and emails to the company have gone unanswered. Regardless of the time I call, a message in Indonesian informs me that the lines are busy. However, when I initially placed the order in September, I spoke with someone who communicated fluently in English and called from a California phone number. Since then, the contact numbers on the website have been changed to Indonesian numbers. Even the shipping company’s contact details are now the same as the seller’s. All my attempts to reach them have been unsuccessful for the past two weeks.

How to Identify Online Shopping Scams

When shopping online, spotting scams is crucial. First, look for red flags. A very low price can be a warning sign. Be cautious if the deal seems too good to be true. Next, check the website’s security. Look for “https” in the web address. This means the site is secure.

Also, research the store’s reputation. Look for customer reviews and ratings. Be suspicious if you can’t find any customer feedback. Reviews can give insights into the store’s reliability. Pay attention to negative comments and common complaints.

Contact details are also essential. Legit stores provide contact information. Look for an email address, phone number, and physical address. Try contacting the store if you’re unsure. Actual stores will respond professionally and promptly.

Payment methods matter, too. Trusted stores offer secure payment options. These include credit cards and PayPal. Avoid stores demanding direct bank transfers.

Lastly, check the return policy. Legit stores have clear return and refund policies. Scam sites often lack these, or they are unclear. Understanding these signs helps in identifying safe places to shop. This knowledge can protect you from losing money to scams. Keep these tips in mind to shop online safely and confidently.

Prevention of Online Shopping Scams and Safety Measures

Shopping online can be safe if you take precautions. First, always use strong passwords. Make them hard for others to guess. Include letters, numbers, and symbols. Change your passwords regularly for better security.

When shopping, use a secure network. Avoid making purchases using public Wi-Fi. Public networks are less secure. Hackers can steal your information more easily there.

It’s also wise to use credit cards online. They offer better protection than debit cards. If a scammer takes your details, credit cards limit your liability.

Always check the website’s security. Look for “https” at the start of the web address. This “s” means the site is secure. It helps to keep your information safe.

Be cautious with email links. Scammers often send fake emails. They want you to click on bad links. Instead, type the store’s address directly into your browser.

Also, research the seller. Read customer reviews and ratings. This way, you get to know who you’re buying from.

Regularly check your bank statements. This habit helps you spot any unusual charges. If you find something off, report it immediately.

Finally, keep your device’s software updated. The updated software has better security features. It protects your information from the latest threats.

Remember these safety tips when shopping online. They will help you avoid scams and keep your information safe. Happy and safe shopping!

How to Take Action if Scammed

If you get scammed, take action quickly. First, contact your bank or credit card company. They can help secure your account. They might also help you get your money back.

Next, report the scam to the authorities. You can report to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) in the United States. They handle complaints about deceptive business practices.

It’s also good to warn others. Consider leaving reviews or reports online. This way, you help prevent others from being scammed by the same fraudsters.

Learn about your consumer rights, too. These rights vary by country and state. But they often include a right to a refund or replacement. Knowledge of these rights is crucial. It helps you know what to ask for when resolving the issue.

Remember, time is crucial when responding to scams. Act quickly to improve your chances of getting your money back. These steps offer a path to follow if you find yourself a scam victim. They guide you on how to respond and seek help effectively.

Future Trends of Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping scams are constantly changing. New trends and threats appear often. Scammers try new tricks to fool shoppers. Understanding these trends helps you stay safe.

One emerging trend is social media scams. Scammers are now active on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They use fake ads and accounts to trick people. Always be careful when shopping on social media.

Fake mobile apps are another concern. These apps look like they belong to actual stores. But they aim to steal your information. Only download apps from trusted sources to stay safe.

Scammers are also using more sophisticated methods. They now create more realistic fake websites and emails. Learning about these methods is crucial. It helps you identify scams more easily.

To stay updated, always research. Look for news and reports on the latest scams. Websites like the FTC offer valuable information. Also, consider joining consumer protection groups. These groups often share updates and warnings.

Lastly, always be cautious. If something seems off, it might be a scam. Being careful helps you avoid falling for new tricks. Following these recommendations will help you shop more safely online. It keeps you aware of the latest threats in online shopping scams.

Online Shopping Scams Conclusion

In today’s digital age, online shopping scams are a genuine concern. Such scams aim to deceive innocent shoppers. This problem continues to grow daily. People often seek out deals, making them easy targets. Scammers cleverly present fake deals and lure in unsuspecting buyers. As online shopping grows in popularity, so do these deceitful tactics. Consumers need to remain vigilant. Awareness and knowledge are our best defenses. Spotting red flags can save money and prevent heartbreak. Remember, deals too good to be true often are. By educating ourselves, we can shop confidently. Let’s prioritize safety and intelligent choices in our online endeavors.

If you are a victim of online scams, please let us know by commenting below, and if you have lost a significant amount of money, do not lose hope. We can help you recover your funds!