How do I report an online shopping scam?
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, to the marketplace or platform where you bought, and initiate a chargeback with your card issuer as soon as possible.
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Explanation
Online shopping scams include fake websites selling goods that never arrive, counterfeit products, bait-and-switch substitutions, and fraudulent sellers on legitimate marketplaces. They are among the most common fraud types globally.
If you bought through a platform like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy, use the platform's dispute resolution system first. Report the seller using the in-app tool and open a buyer protection claim. Many platforms will refund you if the seller does not respond or if the goods are confirmed not as described. Keep all order confirmation emails, tracking information, and messages with the seller.
If you bought directly from a website, report the site to the FTC and initiate a chargeback with your card issuer. For credit card purchases in the UK above a threshold, Section 75 gives you equal liability rights against the card issuer as well as the retailer. For debit card purchases, many banks offer chargeback under the Visa or Mastercard dispute process.
Report the fraudulent website to Google Safe Browsing and to the domain registrar via a WHOIS lookup. This can prevent the same site from defrauding more consumers. In the UK, report to Action Fraud and to Citizens Advice, which forwards consumer reports to Trading Standards.
Common red flags
- The website was very recently created and has no verifiable contact details
- Prices were dramatically below comparable legitimate retailers
- No clear returns policy, terms and conditions, or physical address
- Order confirmation came from a personal email address
- The tracking number provided leads nowhere or tracks a different package
- Reviews are all five-star, recent, and use generic language
What to do now
- Open a buyer protection dispute on the platform if you used one
- Initiate a chargeback with your card issuer
- Report the seller or website to the FTC or Action Fraud
- Report the website to Google Safe Browsing
- Preserve order confirmations, receipts, and all communications
- See /scams/online-shopping-scams for additional guidance
Frequently asked questions
What if I received counterfeit goods instead of nothing?
Counterfeit goods can still be disputed under chargeback as 'significantly not as described.' Report to the platform, your card issuer, and the brand being counterfeited. Counterfeit luxury goods can also be reported to Customs and Border Protection (US) or HMRC (UK).
How long do I have to file a chargeback for a shopping scam?
Generally 60 to 120 days from the transaction date, depending on your card network and issuer. Act as soon as you are certain the order will not be fulfilled as described.