May 27, 2025
More and more consumers in Germany are encountering fraudulent websites while shopping online or are being deceived by dubious offers on social media. Whether counterfeit branded products, goods that were never delivered, or extremely overpriced items – the range of scams is wide. Particularly common: so-called fake shops and questionable dropshipping via Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
What are fake shops?
Fake shops are professionally designed websites that, at first glance, appear to be legitimate online retailers. They often use stolen product images, fake customer reviews, and an attractive design. The goal is to persuade users to pay in advance – often by prepayment, instant bank transfer, or even cryptocurrencies. In the end, nothing is delivered.
According to the Consumer Center, the number of reported fake shops has more than doubled in the last two years. The activity of these criminal sites increases significantly, especially during promotional periods such as Black Friday or just before Christmas.
Dropshipping: Expensive Purchase, Cheap Production
Another problem area is products advertised on social media as “innovative,” “only on sale today,” or “almost sold out.” This often involves so-called dropshipping. The goods are not stored by the seller themselves, but are shipped directly to the customer from warehouses, usually in China – often at prices many times higher than their actual value.
Example: A magnetic charging cable for smartphones, advertised as the “latest technology” for €24.99, costs only €2-4 on reputable platforms such as Amazon or directly from Asian wholesalers such as AliExpress. The margins of dropshipping retailers are enormous – yet customers are led to believe they are buying a premium product.
How do I recognize a fake shop?
The Consumer Advice Center and IT security authorities recommend the following checkpoints:
Check the imprint: A missing or incomplete imprint is a clear warning sign.
Payment methods: If PayPal, credit card, or an escrow service are missing and only prepayment is accepted, caution is advised.
Price comparison: Is a product extremely cheap or conspicuously expensive? A quick Google search can help.
Spelling & language: Incorrect text and machine-translated content often indicate dubious operators.
Check the domain: Endings like .shop, .store, or strange combinations like “nike-de-sale.com” are often found in fake shops.
Research reviews: Not just on the shop website itself – platforms like Trustpilot, the Consumer Advice Center, or Google can help with the assessment.
What to do if you’ve been scammed?
If you’ve already transferred money, act quickly:
Contact your bank: It may still be possible to stop the transfer.
File a report: Online with the police or directly at the nearest police station.
Contact the consumer advice center: They can explain further steps and refer you to blacklists.
Conclusion
The dark side of online shopping is becoming increasingly professional. Those who aren’t aware of how fake shops and overpriced dropshipping offers work can quickly lose a lot of money – on products that never arrive or are completely overpriced.
Editor’s tip: Use price comparison sites, only buy from well-known shops with seals of approval such as “Trusted Shops” or “EHI Certified Online Shop” – and remain skeptical of offers that are too good. The “Today only – 80% off!” scam is intended to do one thing above all: build pressure.
Stay vigilant – and keep your money where it belongs: in safe hands.