Signs of a potential e-commerce scam:

• Unbelievably Cheap Prices
  If something is selling for way below its usual price, especially for luxury items, and it’s not during a major sale, it could be a scam. If it feels “too good to be true", it usually is.

• Unsafe Payment Methods
  Scammers often ask for payment through bank transfers, cryptocurrency, or other methods that are hard to trace and can't be reversed. They may also ask you to pay outside of the platform’s official payment system. Always use secure payment options.

• Poor Grammar or Pushy Communication
  Watch out for poor grammar, generic email addresses, or messages that feel rushed or forceful. Legitimate sellers usually communicate clearly and professionally.

• Suspicious Seller Profiles
  Be cautious if the seller has a brand-new account, no reviews, or only fake-looking reviews (e.g. many reviews posted on the same day). Using photos copied from other websites is another red flag.

• Missing Business Info
  Trustworthy online stores show clear contact info, physical addresses, and return policies. If this information is missing or seems vague, think twice before buying.

• Pressure to Buy Quickly
  Scammers often use tricks like “limited-time offers” or “only one item left!” to push you into rushing your decision. Legitimate sellers rarely use aggressive tactics.

To stay safe while shopping online:

Stick to well-known platforms with buyer protection, double-check who you're buying from, use secure payment methods, and keep records of your transactions.

If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.

If you have fallen for an e-commerce scam, please refer to this article: How do I report an e-commerce scam?

Please take note of the following police advisories involving e-commerce scams:

• E-commerce scams involving the sale of gold (Updated 28 October 2024 @ 8:00 PM)

• E-commerce scams involving the sale of products (e.g., electronic items, gold etc) on the Shopee App (Updated 24 January 2025 @ 10:40 PM)

• Phishing scams involving fake buyers on online marketplace platforms (Updated 12 February 2025 @ 4:50 PM)