Exploiting online shopping habits, scammers set up cheap sales Fanpages, require deposit then block number, or deliver fake, poor quality goods (bait and switch).
Post hot products (clothes, electronics) with shock cheap price (Warehouse clear, boom goods).
Enthusiastic advice, quick deal closing.
Request customer to transfer deposit or pay 100% upfront for freeship/hold goods.
Case 1: Receive money then block number (Run away). Case 2: Send goods but it's trash/bricks/fake (Switch goods).
Impersonate shipper calling to request transfer for goods before receiving because "no cash accepted".
"Bait & Switch" Script
Facebook, TikTok Shop
Unexpectedly cheap, require deposit
Online shoppers
Lost deposit, receive trash
Typical identifying signs
Product price lower than market 50-70% without valid reason.
Shop insists on deposit or upfront payment, no COD allowed.
Newly created Fanpage, low interaction, comments hidden or full of fake seeding.
Refuse to let customer check goods before paying.
Buying joy, receiving frustration.
Fake Shops
Cases
Goods
Often attracted by warehouse clearance, shock price liquidation ads.
WARNINGLow value COD scam collecting high amounts, or impersonating shipper for transfer.
TIPUsing "Page Transparency" feature to spot fake shops.
NEWSThe problem of bait-and-switch scams when shopping on social media.