Pandemic purchases lead to record reports of unreceived goods
Scammers set up fake online shops during the pandemic to sell items people desperately needed, then never delivered the goods. They used polished websites and social media ads to look legitimate, then vanished when customers complained.
How it works
You see an ad or search result for a website selling scarce items like masks or sanitizer at discounts. The site looks professional. You order and pay. The seller either never ships anything or blames COVID delays for weeks. Then they stop responding to messages and disappear. Sometimes they relaunch under a new business name.
Red flags to watch for
- Unfamiliar website selling items in short supply or brand-name goods at steep discounts
- Seller stops responding to messages after you pay
- Website suddenly vanishes or changes its name
- Pandemic-related excuses for shipping delays that keep getting extended
- No physical address or working phone number on the site
- Polished-looking website you have never heard of before
What to do
Do not wire money or use payment methods you cannot dispute. Search the company name plus words like scam or complaint before buying. Pay with a credit card, which lets you dispute charges if goods never arrive. If you don't receive your order, contact your credit card company to reverse the charge. Report the scam to ftc.gov/complaint.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.