Online shopping scams targeting Russians have long relied on forged delivery forms and deceptive links that pretend to be legitimate sellers. This was highlighted by Ashot Oganesyan, founder of the data leak intelligence service DLBI, speaking to socialbites.ca. The core tactic is simple but effective: scammers spread links through chat rooms dedicated to online stores and via instant messaging apps. When a user enters card details into a counterfeit site, the fraudster can initiate unauthorized withdrawals. They also employ social engineering to coax SMS verification codes from the victim, slipping past initial security checks with calm, convincing language.
A second common scam pattern plays on the wish to recover money after a failed deal. In this scenario, a fraudster poses as a seller offering a highly attractive price. After the buyer completes an order, the product is abruptly removed from stock with a flimsy excuse such as it being “out of stock.” The buyer then receives a link to a bogus refund form. Filling it out results in the loss of funds, with no real recourse. This approach exploits urgency and the belief that a refund is imminent and secure.
Oganesyan notes that the pressure to recover funds quickly, coupled with the belief that card details might be needed to facilitate a refund, makes victims more likely to fall for the ruse. The first scheme tends to thrive on sites with targeted online ads, while the second tends to appear on larger marketplaces where buyers assume a standard process governs transactions.
To avoid these traps, marketplace users should remember that transfers of money typically occur between the marketplace and the buyer. Personal information should be limited to managing those transactions, and any payment request that deviates from this outlet should raise red flags. A crucial rule is to treat any seller link with suspicion, even if it mirrors a familiar marketplace address. In such cases, do not enter payment details or sensitive data. When in doubt, exit the page and verify through the official marketplace channel. Attribution: DLBI data leak intelligence service, 2023.
Industry observations show that the risk landscape evolves as scammers adapt to new platforms and tools. Buyers should stay vigilant, particularly when offers seem unusually favorable or when asked to complete steps beyond what a standard purchase requires. A practical strategy includes using secure payment methods offered by the marketplace, enabling two-factor authentication where possible, and avoiding the reuse of passwords across sites. It also helps to report suspicious links to the marketplace and to monitor account activity for any unauthorized transactions. The overarching message is clear: trust only the marketplace’s native checkout flow and treat any external prompt for card details with extreme caution. For those navigating large marketplaces, this cautious approach reduces exposure to fraud and preserves the integrity of legitimate purchases.
Recent reports indicate that financial losses linked to these scams have been significant, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness and education. As buyers across North America engage in online shopping, the emphasis remains on verifying the legitimacy of links, recognizing typical phishing cues, and maintaining a healthy skepticism toward deals that sound too good to be true. The takeaway is simple: a cautious mindset and adherence to secure payment practices can dramatically cut the risk of falling victim to these deceptive schemes.