More and more often, fraudsters try to lure inexperienced customers into the trap with fake shops. And the corona crisis is intensifying the trend, consumer advocates are certain. There is a sure way to spot the fakes.
In the Corona crisis, shopping in stores is not much fun – and online retail is booming accordingly. Attempts at fraud with fake shops are also increasing. Almost every eighth German has already been the victim of fraudsters in online trading, according to a recent survey by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Attempts at fraud increased significantly.
“Yes, the complaints about online rip-offs have increased in the last few months,” confirmed the consumer advice center Brandenburg at the request of the stern. The consumer advocates in Baden-Württemberg also confirm the trend. “We have been able to establish for years that the increasing online trade is also increasing fraud on the Internet. Due to the corona crisis, consumers have now made more online transactions, so that there is once again an increase in problems in this area.”
Other consumer protection agencies could not find any increase. However, this is also due to the fact that consumers who have been betrayed often turn to the police directly, noted the Hamburg consumer advocate, instead of using advice from consumer advice centers, which is subject to a charge. “The corona pandemic has led to cyber criminals increasingly trying to take advantage of the current situation,” confirmed the payment service provider PayPal.
More and more victims of fake shops
The increase is noticeable: Compared to the previous year, the proportion of respondents who fell for a fake shop had doubled, the BSI study explained. Since the survey took place in April and therefore right at the beginning of the Corona crisis, it cannot be reliably said whether the increase noted by consumer advocates is also reflected in these numbers or is on top of it.
It is obvious that there are more opportunities for fraudsters in the Corona period. “Anyone who cares about their health during the Corona period should avoid large crowds if possible. Online shopping is a good alternative,” explains the Brandenburg Consumer Protection Center. “Unfortunately, this is also increasingly calling for fraudsters on the scene.”
Flexible scammers
They also adapt their strategies. As a rule, branded clothing and shoes as well as expensive electronics such as smartphones are popular as attractants, i.e. rather expensive products, explained the Hamburg consumer advocate. Due to the professionalization, however, the fraudsters would adapt their meshes to current situations faster and faster, according to the colleagues from Baden-Württemberg. “This spring and summer, when medical products were in short supply in stationary retail, consumers increasingly fell victim to fake shops for these products.”
These are increasingly difficult for customers to recognize, according to consumer advocates. Even quality seals would be invented or faked and the fraudsters would simply copy the terms and conditions of other shops over to appear more serious. But on closer inspection, you would usually find clues, such as a missing or incorrect imprint or linguistic errors.
You should always heed the two warning signs
Two features usually stand out: a price that is too low and the payment method. “A very low price should make you suspicious, especially if the whole shop only consists of special offers for branded items,” explains the Brandenburg consumer center. The price always works as a good attractant.
And there is also a clear warning signal when it comes to payment methods. “All fakeshop operators want to receive money immediately without any service and work with prepayment,” explains the consumer advice center in Baden-Württemberg. “Even if other payment methods are mentioned, the system ultimately always switches to prepayment so that only this payment is possible”. It is not only about the classic advance transfer, but also about payments by credit card or PayPal, where the seller can call up the money immediately.
time is money
In the event of fraud, quick action is required. “It is important that consumers react quickly, as funds can sometimes be retrieved or the law enforcement authorities can freeze accounts,” explains the consumer protection center in Baden-Württemberg. Depending on the time of day, the transfer could be stopped by the bank within a few hours, but the police have more extensive options, the Brandenburg consumer advocates note. “Customers who suspect they have become a victim of fraud or notice unauthorized charges to their PayPal account should contact our customer service directly,” advises PayPal. “Our customer service checks the case and supports the customer in any further steps.”
Unfortunately, buyer protection does not always apply. “Basically, you should inform yourself in advance in which cases the buyer protection exists,” advises the Hamburg consumer center. An important exception is the “Friends and Family” option, which is therefore often requested by fraudsters. But you should never go into that in a shop.
Ultimately, customers should best avoid prepayment, advise consumer advocates. “When paying in advance (bank transfer, credit card) you always have to take into account that you will not receive the goods and the money is gone,” warns the Hamburg consumer protection center. The Brandenburg colleagues see it similarly. “We recommend buying on account whenever possible. Here there is the lowest risk for the buyer, because the goods are received before payment.”
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
