Online Shopping Scams

young woman at her computer Online shopping scams refer to fraudulent activities that occur during online transactions on e-commerce websites, online marketplaces, or classified ad websites. Scammers may take payment for products or services but never actually deliver them, leaving you without the item you purchased. Sellers might offer counterfeit or fake products, misrepresent the quality or condition of items, or provide misleading product descriptions. Scammers may trick you into sharing sensitive information such as credit card details or personal data, putting you at risk of identity theft or unauthorized transactions.
  • Sellers offering products at significantly lower prices than market value. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be wary of sellers with a history of negative feedback or suspiciously positive ratings.
  • If the seller insists on unconventional payment methods such as crypto-currencies, wire transfers, or prepaid gift cards, it can be a red flag.
  • A fraudulent seller may suggest paying them directly by gift card or wiring money. That's a sign of a scam; getting your money back is nearly impossible if you pay that way.
  • Exercise caution if the information provided seems incomplete, inconsistent, or unclear.
  • The platform has no dispute-resolution process or it is poorly described.
  • Avoid sellers who only provide email addresses or do not respond to inquiries promptly.
  • The seller asks for personal information unnecessary for the transaction.  This may indicate an attempt at Identity Theft. 
  • Check the seller's ratings, feedback, and reviews before purchasing.  
  • Legitimate sellers offer secure payment options like checks and credit cards. 
  • Preferably use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or reputable payment platforms, that offer buyer protection and the ability to dispute transactions if needed.
  • Use the marketplace’s established payment methods so that your money can be refunded should you be unsatisfied with the purchase.
  • Pay attention to product descriptions, images, and specifications.
  • Before purchasing, research the seller's reputation, read customer reviews, and check if the platform has a robust dispute resolution process.
  • Stick to reputable and well-known online marketplaces and websites.
  • Ensure the seller provides legitimate contact information such as a physical address and customer support channels. 
  • Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information or financial details unless you are confident in the seller's legitimacy and website security.
  • Inform your local authorities and relevant consumer protection agencies about the incident. Please provide them with any evidence or details you have to assist in their investigation.
  • Please report scams to the MCPD’s non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. There is no web portal for reporting crimes. Also, please be aware that electronic mail is inherently insecure, so do not send sensitive data via email. Use of email does not ensure the confidentiality of your sensitive data, nor does it constitute an MCPD incident report.
  • You can also report scams to the Maryland State's Attorney General's Office’s Special Prosecution Unit at 240-777-7300.  
  • You may file a complaint with the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP).  Please review OCP’s Frequently Asked Questions before filing.
  • Share your experience with family and friends and on social media platforms to alert others about the scam and prevent them from falling victim.  However, beware that scammers monitor social media to offer so-called “ recovery scams,” claiming to recover your losses for a fee. 
  • Review your bank statements, credit reports, and other financial accounts for unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious charges or accounts to the respective institutions.  See Identity Theft for additional ways to protect your finances. 

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