THE GEN C:\> SCAN FAKE-ONLINE-STORE
Fake online stores and too-good holiday deals
You see a social media ad for the perfect gift at a huge discount, click through to a slick-looking store, and pay. The item never shows up, or what arrives is junk. AARP warns that AI now helps scammers build store websites that look completely real, so a professional-looking site is no longer proof.
Free: The Scam Red Flags Cheat Sheet
The 4 signs of a scam, what real companies will never ask for, and exactly what to do if you already clicked. One page, big print, ready to tape by the phone. Get it free when you join the daily tip.
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"HOLIDAY BLOWOUT: Name-brand stand mixer, 85% off. Today only, just 3 left! Shop now: [link]"
Red flags
- A price far below what every other store charges
- A store you've never heard of, reached from an ad, text, or email
- Asks you to pay with a gift card, Zelle, a wire, or crypto
- Countdown timers and "only 3 left" pressure
What to do
- Don't click the ad. Type the store's address yourself, or shop retailers you already know.
- Pay with a credit card, which gives you more protection than other ways to pay.
- Search the store's name plus "scam" or "reviews" before you buy.
- Already paid? Call your card company right away and dispute the charge.
Where to report it
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
Last checked: 2026-11-02. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.