Shopping scams

We examine the warning signs of fraud associated with this Instagram furniture shop.

Scammers create a fake TikTok women's clothing store and accept payments to a personal bank card. After the money is received, they tell the cardholder that the transfer was made by mistake and ask them to send the funds to a different bank card. This is how scammers use money mules to move stolen funds.

In this video, we explain how the scheme works, why you should never return money to a third party, and what to do if you receive an "accidental" transfer.

Fake Instagram store selling computer equipment.

Fake Instagram store selling men's clothing. An analysis of the warning signs of fraud.

Scammers disguise themselves as sellers of confiscated Apple and Samsung products offered at half the market price.

In Instagram, scammers pose as a store selling original Apple products.

Scammers create fake Instagram electronics stores, offer devices at unusually low prices and trick buyers into sending money.

Scammers pose as an Instagram store selling electronics and home appliances.

An analysis of a fraudulent Instagram store offering iPhones at suspiciously low prices.

Scammers disguise themselves as an Instagram store selling outerwear.

Essential checklist before making a purchase:

❌ The price is significantly below market value
❌ Comments are disabled or restricted
❌ Account tagging is disabled
❌ The listed phone number does not answer calls
❌ Payment is requested to a personal bank card
❌ The account has changed its name multiple times
❌ The account location is hidden or listed in another country
❌ Negative reviews are available on 2GIS

Do not transfer money to a personal bank card.