Fake shops on the internet
On online shops such as Amazon, Wish, AliExpress and eBay there are always fraudsters who either offer fake products or do not even send the supposedly purchased item to the buyer. Customers not only get nothing from such fake shops, they also lose their money. Stiftung Warentest also repeatedly warns against this and recommends taking a closer look at the retailer and the offer before making an online purchase. Because if you as a buyer know the relevant characteristics of the scams, it is possible to identify fake shops in advance and then avoid them. We explain how such dubious sales come about and how you can recognize them.
Why are there fake shops?
In addition to purchasing from Amazon itself, almost all items on the platform can also be purchased from third-party providers via the so-called “Amazon Marketplace”. Almost everyone can sell products in this way – which attracts not only reputable small businesses but also scammers again and again. Often no items are sent or the buyer receives an imitation of the original. The legal regulations for such cases are insufficient for many consumer advocates. Amazon does not have to check the dealers as a preventive measure and is only liable to a limited extent in the event of damage. The same applies to shops such as eBay, Wish or AliExpress, because the providers only provide the platform and are only liable for their dealers in rare cases.
How do you recognize a fake shop?
Before you make a purchase in an online shop, you should check whether it is a reputable provider. The easiest way to do this is to check the prices, because if they are significantly below the market price, this is usually an indication that the product or offer is fake and you are either fake or not at all Product received, according to the tech portal “t3n”. You should also look at the supplier’s ratings – both in forums and in the shop itself – as there are often significant differences. Caution is often required, especially if there is hardly any information about the seller. The product description itself can also provide information about whether it is a serious offer or not. Because if it looks faulty or doesn’t match the item, it’s likely that it’s not an original product. If you have taken a closer look at the provider and the offer and decided to order the product, you should only choose secure payment methods and never allow yourself to be persuaded to make an immediate transfer.
What can I do if I received a counterfeit?
If you have not recognized a dubious supplier and have received a counterfeit item after ordering, you have the right to delivery of the original or a refund of the purchase price. However, providers such as Amazon are often not liable for the procedures of their dealers and point out that problems should be addressed to the dealer himself, reports “Stern”. If you have chosen a secure payment method such as PayPal or payment by credit card when making your purchase, you have the option of getting your money back this way. If no agreement can be reached and the amount cannot be credited back to the account, a complaint or report to the police is possible.
Editorial office finanzen.net
Image sources: mtkang / Shutterstock.com, chuckstock / Shutterstock.com