Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping scams affect an increasing number of people in Finland—both buyers and sellers. Many people wonder where to seek help, whether to file a police report, and if it’s possible to get their money back.
Scams in Trustworthy-Looking Online Stores
Shopping online is now very common, and there are many different types of online stores. The abundance of online stores also provides scammers with an ideal environment, as distinguishing between a legitimate store and a scam site can be challenging.
Common types of online store scams:
- The ordered and paid-for product never arrives
- The ordered product does not match the description (appearance, size, quality, country of origin, etc.)
- Credit card details entered on a scam site are compromised, enabling future misuse
How to Recognize a Reliable Online Store:
- The company’s contact details and customer service information are clearly available
- If the business is Finnish, its business ID should be visible on the site
- If you are unsure about the store’s credibility, you can look up other users’ experiences on Google or use tools like Scamadviser to evaluate reliability
- Purchases are safer when you use payment methods that don’t require entering bank or credit card information on the site, such as PayPal or Mobilepay.
Warning Signs of a Possible Scam:
- Poorly written or confusing website language
- Missing contact information, no customer service
- The store sells products at unusually low prices compared to competitors or advertises items that are sold out elsewhere
- No user reviews or feedback available via Google search
Peer-to-Peer Transactions Online
A lot of transactions also take place between individuals on various platforms (e.g., Tori.fi, Facebook Marketplace, and other social media sales groups). Online marketplaces can make transactions smooth and easy, but they are also popular among scammers.
Scams Targeting Buyers:
- The purchased product is not delivered. To prevent this, agree on shipping with cash on delivery.
- The product does not meet the agreed condition. Remember that consumer protection laws do not apply to transactions between private individuals. It’s advisable to verify the condition of the product in advance, for example, with photos.
- Sale of stolen or counterfeit items. When buying used items, there is a risk of unknowingly purchasing stolen goods. Be cautious if the item is valuable and the seller cannot provide proof of authenticity or origin.
Online Shopping Scams Targeting Sellers
If you are selling goods online, be aware that sellers may also be targeted by scams. Scammers may, for instance, fail to pay for the item or try to lead you to a third-party service outside of the marketplace (e.g., Tori.fi).
Common Scams Targeting Sellers:
- Failure to pay for the product. Scammers may promise to pay later or even present fake receipts.
- Payment service scams, where the scammer posing as a buyer claims to have paid through a payment service. The scammer sends a link to the alleged payment service, asking the seller to register and enter their card details. The “payment service” is a scam page designed to steal bank or card details.
- Courier service scams, where the buyer contacts the seller through a messaging app, offers to buy the product, and requests shipping via a courier service. The seller receives a realistic-looking link to the courier service’s website, which is actually a scam. The scam page asks for bank or credit card details, which end up with the scammer. In some cases, the scammer may demand extra charges for various reasons, like shipping insurance or deposits. If the seller wishes to cancel the transaction at this stage, the scammer may pressure them by accusing them of breach of contract.
How to Protect Yourself as a Seller
- Use cash on delivery when sending items, or wait until payment is confirmed in your account before shipping.
- Do not accept payments through unknown apps. Use trusted services (bank transfer, Mobilepay, PayPal, etc.) for payments.
- Avoid shipping items through courier services suggested by the buyer; instead, use reputable, trusted providers.
- For example, Tori.fi has its own ToriDeal service, where payments, shipping, and communication are managed entirely within the Tori.fi system.
What to Do if You’ve Been Scammed
- If you suspect your bank or credit card information may have been compromised, contact your bank immediately.
- Save all possible evidence, such as messages with the scammer, payment receipts, etc.
- File a police report.
If you need support or practical advice about the criminal process, you can leave a contact request.