An online purchase scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers trick individuals into paying for goods or services that are never delivered. These scams often occur through e-commerce websites, social media platforms, or classified ads, and typically involve fake listings that appear legitimate. Scammers may use professional-looking websites, high-quality images, and enticing offers to lure victims into making a purchase.
In many cases, victims are asked to pay using unconventional methods, such as wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency, which makes it difficult to trace the transactions or recover lost funds. Common types of online purchase scams include fake online stores, phishing schemes, and auction scams, where scammers list products at attractive prices to draw in unsuspecting buyers.
Falling victim to an online purchase scam can lead to financial loss and frustration, as victims may end up with no recourse for recovering their money. To protect against such scams, consumers should be cautious when making online purchases, verify the legitimacy of the seller or website, and use secure payment methods. Conducting thorough research and reading reviews before making a purchase can help reduce the risk of falling for online purchase scams.