Fake Online Stores in Georgia
Fraudulent Facebook and Instagram shops in Georgia take payment for electronics, clothing, and imported goods that are never delivered.
Part of: Fake Online Stores
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Georgia's growing e-commerce sector, particularly in Tbilisi, has been accompanied by an increase in fake online stores. These operate primarily through social media — Facebook Marketplace, Instagram shops, and Telegram channels — advertising imported electronics, branded apparel, and household goods at prices that attract attention without appearing implausibly low.
The scams exploit Georgia's active online shopping culture and the popularity of cross-border ordering, where genuine delivery delays are common enough to make non-delivery initially seem plausible. Victims may wait weeks before realising no goods will arrive.
How this scam works on Georgia
A social media advertisement promotes discounted electronics, branded shoes, or imported goods from a store page with a polished appearance and positive-looking comments. Payment is requested upfront by bank transfer, TBC Pay, or Bank of Georgia mobile payment.
After payment, the store cites delivery delays — customs, logistics, supplier issues — before eventually stopping all communication. The page may be deleted and a new one with a slightly different name established to repeat the pattern.
Some operations in Georgia are particularly active around seasonal sales periods and use Georgian-language content and local pricing to increase credibility.
Common red flags
- A social media store has very few historical posts or was recently created.
- Payment is by bank transfer or mobile payment rather than through a secure checkout with buyer protection.
- Prices are significantly below those of established retailers for the same goods.
- Customer comments on the page look generic or come from accounts with no activity history.
- No physical business address or verifiable registration number is provided.
How to protect yourself
- Purchase from stores with verifiable registration or through established platforms with buyer protection.
- Prefer card payment over bank transfer for online purchases.
- Research the store name and reviews independently before purchasing.
- Check the store's registration on the Georgian National Agency of Public Registry (napr.gov.ge).
- If goods do not arrive within the stated period, contact your bank immediately.
How to report it
- Report the page to Facebook, Instagram, or Telegram.
- File a complaint with the Georgian National Competition Agency or Police.
- Contact your bank immediately if payment was made and goods have not arrived.
Frequently asked questions
The store asked me to pay via TBC Pay or Bank of Georgia mobile transfer instead of card — is that a red flag?
Yes, treat it as one. Direct mobile payments and bank transfers to individuals offer far less recourse than card payments, which typically allow a dispute if goods never arrive. Prefer card payment or a platform with buyer protection whenever possible.
How can I check if a Facebook shop in Georgia has a real business registration?
Search the business name on the Georgian National Agency of Public Registry at napr.gov.ge before making a significant purchase. If the store can't be found there and has no verifiable physical address, treat it as high risk.
The seller's page has thousands of followers — doesn't that make it trustworthy?
Not necessarily — follower counts can be inflated through purchased followers, and even a genuinely popular page can pivot to fraudulent behaviour or be taken over by a different operator. Judge based on verifiable business details and payment method, not follower count.
Is buying from Facebook shops in Georgia safe?
Some legitimate small businesses sell through Facebook in Georgia, but the risk of fraud is elevated compared to established platforms. Always verify the seller and prefer payment methods with buyer protection.