Fashion Scam

A fashion scam is a deceptive scheme where criminals set up online stores that appear to sell clothing, shoes, or accessories but never deliver the promised items. These scams fall under the broader category of non-delivery fraud, one of the most common online shopping threats today.

Typically, scammers build polished e-commerce websites that mimic legitimate fashion retailers. They may copy photos, logos, and product descriptions from real brands, making their storefronts look convincing. To lure buyers, they often advertise heavily on social media, offering luxury items or trending fashion at unrealistically low prices. Once payment is made, victims either receive nothing at all or are sent poor-quality counterfeits.

Fashion scams exploit the trust shoppers place in digital advertising and search engines. Because these fraudulent sites often disappear within weeks, tracing or recovering money is extremely difficult. Warning signs include limited payment options (such as only accepting bank transfers), missing contact details, fake customer reviews, or suspiciously steep discounts.

Consumers can protect themselves by researching unfamiliar stores, checking domain registration dates, and looking for verified payment gateways. Awareness of fashion scams is essential for safe online shopping and helps prevent financial loss and identity theft.