A Chinese network has been running numerous fake online shops that have scammed over 800,000 people in the U.S. and Europe. These fake shops lure people in by offering discounted goods from luxury brands like Dior, Nike, Lacoste, and more. These shops trick people into sharing their credit card details and other personal information.
The scam works in two levels. Firstly, fake payment gateways are used to steal credit card information without charging the victims. Secondly, fake online stores are set up to actually take money from people. The scammers use expired domains to host these fake shops, making it difficult to detect them.
Many affected individuals thought these fake online shops were legitimate and ended up getting scammed. Some received incorrect items, while others received nothing at all. The scammers obtained personal data like addresses and card details, which can be used for further fraudulent activities.
To protect yourself from online shopping scams, it is important to invest in personal data removal services, avoid tech support phone scams, shop only on reputable websites, be cautious of mailbox communications, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, use identity theft protection, and secure your devices and accounts.
It is crucial to remain vigilant against online scams and take necessary precautions to protect your personal information and financial assets. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to online scams. Stay informed and stay safe online.