Fake shops were once easy to expose: the sites were poorly constructed and the language was too clumsy. But the fraudsters have long since upgraded and are putting supposed shop sites online that are often in no way inferior to those of real dealers.
But fake shops don’t just work so well because they sometimes look deceptively real. Above all, they offer products much cheaper than real online shops, especially sought-after branded goods and electronics. The consumer advice center for Rhineland-Palatinate explains that time-limited offers are often used to put buyers under pressure. And fake quality seals are often placed on the sites to feign seriousness.
Advertising for fake shops on social media
Consumer advocates have observed that fake shops are increasingly being advertised on social networks, via messengers and in shopping apps. Ads and links would redirect users to fraudulent sites.
Fake shops exist for almost every product category imaginable, with the operators often changing the Internet address (URL) of the supposed shop or shops and even responding to seasonal purchasing trends.
It is therefore impossible to create a conclusive list of all fake shops. This is also why consumer advice centers have developed the fake shop finder.
Traffic light gives an assessment
On the site you simply enter the internet address of the shop, click on “Check shop URL” and the site will automatically be checked for characteristics of fake shops. The result in traffic light color symbols (green, yellow or red) is intended to help you assess whether it might be better to refrain from making a purchase on the respective shop page or whether you should check other features, such as an inadequate imprint with a questionable address.
But even with the “green light” the following applies: Although the shop has not attracted negative attention so far, you should still pay attention to the shipping and return options and, above all, to a secure payment method. What is also typical for fake shops is the approach of advertising with many payment methods, but then in the end only requiring uncertain advance payment, for example in the form of a bank transfer, when placing the actual order. (dpa)