Can I get my money back after paying a fake online store?
You may be able to chargeback the payment if you paid by credit or debit card. Act quickly — contact your card issuer within days of realising the store is fake.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Fake online shops are common on social media, search ads, and search results. They collect payment for goods that never arrive or that are far inferior to what was advertised. Recovery chances depend heavily on how you paid. Credit card payments and most debit card payments offer chargeback rights — you can dispute the charge as 'goods not received' or 'not as described'. Bank transfers are much harder to reverse. PayPal Goods and Services also has a buyer protection claim process. When filing a dispute, provide your order confirmation, evidence the site was fake (screenshots, non-delivery evidence), and any communications. Also report the fake site to Google Safe Browsing, your national consumer protection body, and the platform through which you found the ad.
Common red flags
- Site has no verifiable business address or contact details beyond a contact form
- Domain was registered very recently
- Social media account behind the ad was created within weeks
- Prices are dramatically lower than established retailers
What to do now
- Contact your card issuer immediately and file a chargeback dispute
- Gather evidence: screenshots of the site, order confirmation, communications
- Report the fake site to your national consumer authority
- Report the ad to the platform it appeared on
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a chargeback?
Chargeback time limits vary by card network and issuer but are typically 60 to 120 days from the transaction date. Act as quickly as possible.