Look out for online shopping scams
Scammers are getting creative. Whether you're a seller or a buyer, fraudsters use tricks to make you think you've been paid or found a great deal.
What are online shopping scams?
Online shopping scams happen when fraudsters trick buyers or sellers for money, goods or personal details. Scammers may use fake websites, counterfeit products or false payment proofs to gain your trust.
Common types of online shopping scams
Online shopping frauds targeting buyers
Scammers often claim to sell exclusive items at low prices. While cheap products can be a warning sign, fraudsters also use expensive, popular items to trick people.
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Vanishing after receiving paymentYou paid, but the product never arrived
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Delivering counterfeit goodsYou receive an item, but it's a fake version of what you ordered
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Offering an 'exclusive' dealScammers list limited-edition products or sold-out tickets on social media or resale platforms
Online shopping scammers often create a sense of urgency and push victims into making quick decisions. They use fake documents to make the deal seem real until it's too late.
Online shopping frauds targeting sellers
Don't think sellers are safe! Fraudsters often pose as buyers. They use fake payment confirmations to trick you into shipping goods before you receive payment.
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Phishing for sensitive personal dataOn resale platforms, scammers may claim they need your email address to make a 'safe payment', then email you a fake link that tricks you into providing your banking login details
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Exploiting the cheque trapAfter being paid by cheque, your ledger balance increases so you ship the item – but the cheque bounces days later, the money disappears, and you lose your item
Learn more about How to spot and avoid cheque scams
How to protect yourself from online shopping scams
Staying safe is about caution and verification. Follow these 5 key principles to keep your money safe.
1. Be aware when offers are too good to be true
Fraudsters target both cheap deals and pricey items. Use official or trusted platforms, and always check the seller's history.
2. Verify before you take action
Ask private sellers for proof of purchase, such as an order confirmation or e-receipt. This helps to avoid counterfeit goods or resold tickets.
3. Check suspicious links and contacts
If a seller asks you to send money to a personal bank account, stop and think. You can verify suspicious phone numbers, web addresses (URLs), or receiving account numbers using the Scameter or Scameter+ app provided by the Hong Kong Police Force.
4. Protect your personal data
Never share your passwords, login details, or personal data through links or messaging apps.
5. Check your available balance
When receiving payment, don't take screenshots or ledger balances as proof of payment. Deliver goods only after funds appear in your available balance. Avoid cheques or cashier's orders. Consider using more secure payment methods, such as credit cards and Faster Payment System (FPS).
What are the red flags of a scam website?
A scam website often has poor spelling, bad design, no contact details, and unrealistically low prices. Always check customer reviews and verify the URL with tools like Scameter.
Who to contact if you've been scammed?
If in doubt, contact the police's Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) Anti-Scam Helpline at 18222 for help.
HSBC is committed to protecting your financial security. Think you might have come across an online shopping scam? Please contact us at:
HSBC Global Private Banking customers: (852) 2233 3033
HSBC Premier Elite customers: (852) 2233 3033
HSBC Premier customers: (852) 2233 3322
Other personal banking customers: (852) 2233 3000
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