Pinterest Scams
Scams on Pinterest — fake shops, phishing pins, and counterfeit goods.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Pinterest's visual discovery format and high purchase intent make it a target for scammers running fake online stores, counterfeit goods listings, and phishing links disguised as lifestyle content. Because pins often link to external sites, a convincing image can lead directly to a fraudulent shop or credential-harvesting page.
This guide covers the scam types most common on Pinterest, the warning signs, and how to shop and browse safely.
Common scams on Pinterest
Fake online store pins
Pins advertising heavily discounted fashion, home goods, or jewellery link to fraudulent shops that collect payment and deliver nothing.
Counterfeit goods listings
Pins promote products using authentic brand imagery but link to sites selling poor-quality or fake items.
Phishing links in pins
Pins promising free products, gift cards, or prize entries direct users to sites that harvest personal or financial information.
Affiliate link fraud
Pins use misleading descriptions to drive clicks to low-quality or scam-affiliated products for commission.
Common red flags
- Prices far below what the same item costs from official brand channels
- Pins linking to sites with no verifiable business address or contact information
- Free product offers requiring personal details or payment-card information to claim
- Sites reached via Pinterest that do not match the domain shown in the pin URL
- Poor grammar, mismatched branding, or stock imagery on linked product pages
How to protect yourself
- Hover over or inspect a pin's destination URL before clicking
- Search for the brand or product name independently before purchasing via a pin link
- Check that a linked store has secure HTTPS, a privacy policy, and contactable customer service
- Use a virtual or prepaid card for purchases from unfamiliar stores
- Report suspicious pins using Pinterest's in-app reporting tool
How to report it
- Use the '...' menu on any pin to select 'Report Pin' inside Pinterest
- Report the linked website to your national consumer protection authority
- Contact your bank or card issuer immediately if payment was made to a fraudulent site
Frequently asked questions
Does Pinterest review shops and product links before they are pinned?
Pinterest uses automated systems and human review, but not every pin is checked before it appears. Treat links to unfamiliar stores with the same caution you would apply to any unknown website.