Pakistan has seen a rapid expansion in online shopping, especially since 2020, when many shifted to purchasing items from e-commerce platforms. While online shopping provides convenience, it presents risks to people at the same time, especially as online shopping scams crop up and people continue to fall victim to fake websites, fake sellers, and misleading ads.
In this 2025 safety guide, we will explore the different types of online shopping scams, how to avoid online shopping scams in Pakistan, and how to report these scams to protect yourself and, in turn, protect others.
Many people fall victim to fake online stores, but there are also a few genuine platforms. If you’re looking for trusted shopping websites in Pakistan, this article will help you. https://www.affordable.pk/blog-detail/top-11-online-shopping-apps-in-pakistan-you-should-try-in-2025
Online scammers have become smarter, using different tricks to steal money or personal information. Some of the common types of online shopping scams in Pakistan include:
These deceptive sites are created to look like an authentic online store. In many ways, they are almost identical, often using the stolen product images and professional layouts to entice consumers. They like to tout luxury or branded products at discounted prices to attract victims.
Usually, the products will either never be delivered or will be counterfeit products instead. Often, these deceptive websites feed paid advertisements on social media accounts to enhance their credibility and entice as many victims as possible.
In this scheme, the seller will ask for full payment up front, often claiming that paying in full will expedite delivery or that the seller is giving a discount. After the payment goes through, the seller disappears, and there is no way to track him/her down!
These scammers realize that they can use fake names and disposable phone numbers to evade all possible traceability. They generally target buyers through online classifieds, marketplace groups, or personal chat.
Cybercriminals send spoofed messages that appear to come from trustworthy online stores or banks and almost always contain fake promotions or delivery updates. These messages contain links to fake websites designed to steal login credentials, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information.
Some spoofed emails may even use official logos and professional speaking to appear as valid as possible. Victims who click on the link often have their entire online banking security compromised.
Rather than delivering the advertised product, scammers send a low-quality product or entirely different item. For instance, you might order a branded smartphone, but receive a cheap scam phone or a box of irrelevant products.
This type of scam reserves lower shelf space for customers who decide to use cash-on-delivery because most courier services do not let you open your package until after you pay for it. The scammer profits from this because the buyer only becomes aware of the scam once the damage is done and the seller has been paid for the fraudulent shipment.
A lot of scams come from unverified sellers found on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. They often post new pics and say they are selling high quality products, usually using photos that they stole from other brands. Once payment is made, they either block you or just stop replying. Others will keep posting new ads to target more victims under different identities.
Online shopping comes with many advantages like convenience and variety, but it also carries risk - particularly when it comes to online fraud in countries like Pakistan. Clothes and electronics are particularly popular items that scammers have used for phishing, false websites and fake social media ads to attract unsuspecting buyers.
Nevertheless, if the buyer takes correct precautionary measures, the risk can be reduced. The major part is vigilance before, during and after making a purchase.
Before you make any purchase from the internet, it's always very important to follow up with any method available to verify the seller or product quality. A few easy verification steps will ultimately help you from losing your money or receiving counterfeit items.
Always make sure to purchase from established and trustworthy e-commerce retailers with established records of delivering legitimate products. An established e-store will have reputable, verified customer service channels and a reliable return policy.
Reputable e-commerce sites will have social media profiles and links and established histories, but it's even more difficult to fake legitimate product references in traditional media now! Don't buy from sites that are brand new or have no social media footprint that could be trusted, or they could just disappear overnight!
Before entering personal or payment details, confirm that the website uses a secure connection. The URL should start with “https://” instead of “http://” and a padlock icon should be visible in the browser’s address bar. This encryption protects your data from hackers while it is being transmitted. If a site lacks these basic security features, it’s best to avoid making any purchase.
Customer reviews can reveal a lot about a store’s reliability and product quality. Look for reviews on multiple platforms, not just the store’s own website, as some sellers post fake testimonials. Pay close attention to comments about late deliveries, wrong items, or unresponsive customer service. A consistent pattern of complaints is a clear warning sign to steer clear.
Scammers often use unusually low prices to grab attention and push customers into making quick decisions. These fake deals can create a sense of urgency, making buyers ignore warning signs. Always compare prices with other established stores to see if the discount is realistic. Remember, genuine products rarely sell for a fraction of their normal price without a catch.
When buying from online marketplaces or small retailers, check for complete seller details, such as business address, phone number, and company registration. You can call the seller directly to confirm product availability and shipping timelines.
Legitimate businesses are transparent about their identity and operations. If a seller refuses to provide clear information, consider it a red flag.
Once you decide to place an order, make sure your payment and personal details are protected. Following safe transaction practices can help you avoid identity theft or financial fraud.
Always opt for traceable and secure payment methods, such as credit cards, which offer better fraud protection. Cash-on-delivery (COD) is also a safe choice in Pakistan, especially when dealing with new sellers. Avoid direct bank transfers or sending money through informal channels, as these payments are hard to recover. Trusted payment gateways give you an extra layer of safety.
Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to hackers who can intercept your personal and banking details. Avoid logging into accounts or making purchases when connected to unsecured networks at cafes, malls, or public transport. Use your mobile data or a private home network for safer transactions. A virtual private network (VPN) can also add another layer of security.
Never click on links in emails, SMS messages, or social media DMs that claim to offer unbelievable discounts or urgent delivery updates. These could lead to phishing sites that steal your personal information. Instead, type the store’s official website address directly into your browser. Legitimate companies rarely send unsolicited links asking for sensitive details.
Use complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters for each of your online shopping accounts. Avoid reusing the same password across multiple platforms, as one breach could expose all your accounts. You can use a password manager to securely store and manage your credentials. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of defense.
Your bank or online store will never ask for your one-time password (OTP), PIN, or CVV code through calls, texts, or emails. Scammers often impersonate officials to trick you into revealing this data. Always verify the caller’s identity before sharing any details. If in doubt, hang up and call your bank’s official helpline directly.
Your responsibility doesn’t end once the order is placed. Tracking your purchase and knowing how to respond to suspicious activity can protect you from long-term losses.
While COD is generally safer, some scammers exploit it by sending fake or empty packages. In Pakistan, consumer rights laws allow you to check a parcel before payment, but many courier services don’t permit it. If a seller refuses to let you inspect the package, it’s a major warning sign. Only deal with sellers and couriers who allow verification upon delivery.
Regularly check your bank account and credit card activity to detect unauthorized transactions early. Even small, suspicious charges could indicate a breach, so investigate them immediately. Many banks in Pakistan now offer SMS alerts for transactions, which can help you react quickly. The faster you report fraudulent activity, the higher your chances of recovering your money.
Pakistan’s consumer protection laws give you the right to safe products, accurate information, and compensation for fraud. If you receive a defective item or fall victim to a scam, you can file a complaint with the local consumer court. Keeping all receipts, screenshots, and communication records will strengthen your case. Awareness of your rights is your first line of defense against fraud.
If you’ve fallen victim to an online shopping scam, acting quickly can greatly improve your chances of recovering funds and stopping further fraud. Reporting the incident also helps authorities track and block scam networks.
Start by collecting all the proof related to the scam. This may include payment confirmations, receipts, screenshots of conversations, product listings, and the seller’s contact information. If the scam ad is still visible online, capture it before it’s taken down. Well-organized evidence will strengthen your case when dealing with authorities.
If the scammer contacted you via phone, SMS, or WhatsApp, report their number to your mobile network operator (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, or PTCL) and request a block. This helps stop them from using the same number to target others.
If your telecom provider does not take action, you can report the number directly to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) by calling 0800-55055 or filing a complaint at the PTA Complaint Portal. PTA can block both the number and the scammer’s mobile device IMEI. Repeat offenders may even have their CNICs blacklisted to prevent the issuance of new SIMs.
In some cases, the issue may be due to a misunderstanding or delay rather than fraud. Politely reach out to the seller through their official contact channels to seek clarification or a resolution. Keep a record of all communications in case you need to present them as evidence later.
If you have suffered a monetary loss through an online transfer or banking transaction, contact the State Bank of Pakistan’s Consumer Protection Department at cpd.helpdesk@sbp.org.pk immediately. They may guide you on possible reversal options or next steps to protect your account.
For formal investigation, lodge a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). You can do this via the FIA Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, by emailing helpdesk@nr3c.gov.pk, or by calling 1991. For urgent assistance, you may also use their helpline at 051-9106384. Submit all evidence in an organized manner to speed up the process.
If the scam occurred through platforms like Facebook or Instagram, report the fraudulent profile or page directly to the platform. This can help get the account suspended quickly. You can also share your experience to warn others, but avoid posting any personal information publicly.
If the payment was made online, contact your bank or mobile wallet provider immediately to request a reversal or freeze the funds. Many financial services only allow a short window for reversing transactions, so speed is essential. Acting quickly could prevent the scammer from withdrawing your money.
Online shopping in Pakistan offers unmatched convenience, but it also carries risks if you’re not careful. Scammers are getting smarter in 2025, using fake websites, social media ads, and payment tricks to target unsuspecting buyers. By verifying sellers, avoiding unnecessary advance payments, using secure payment methods, and shopping from trusted platforms, you can greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of online shopping fraud.
Always stay alert, trust your instincts, and remember if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Your safety is in your hands. Shop smart, protect your personal information, and don’t hesitate to report scams so others can stay safe too.
One of the most common scams involves fake sellers on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp. These fraudsters post attractive product images and demand full payment in advance. Once the money is sent, they either disappear or block the buyer entirely. In many cases, the products never even exist in the first place.
To verify an online store’s authenticity, start by searching for customer reviews on independent platforms rather than relying only on the store’s own website. Check for complete and valid contact information, including a physical address and working phone number. Make sure the website uses HTTPS encryption, indicated by a padlock symbol in the address bar. You can also compare prices with well-known retailers to detect suspiciously low offers.
Whether you can recover your money depends on the payment method used and how quickly you report the fraud. Some banks and mobile wallet services can reverse or block a transaction if contacted immediately after the incident. Credit card payments usually have better fraud protection compared to direct bank transfers. Acting quickly is key to improving your chances of getting a refund.
Cash on Delivery (COD) is generally safer because you only pay after receiving the item. However, scammers sometimes exploit COD by sending fake, low-quality, or empty packages. In Pakistan, consumer rights allow you to check the parcel before payment, but some couriers don’t allow it. Always deal with sellers who are transparent and allow package inspection upon delivery.
You can report online shopping scams to the FIA Cyber Crime Wing via their official complaint portal at www.nr3c.gov.pk or by calling 1991. It’s important to gather evidence such as payment receipts, chat screenshots, and seller details before filing your complaint. You may also contact your bank or mobile wallet service to try to reverse the transaction. Acting quickly will improve the chances of catching the scammer.
Yes, fraudulent shopping apps are an increasing threat in Pakistan. These apps often appear in online ads or through links shared on social media, and they can trick users into making payments for fake products. Some even steal personal data or banking details once installed. To stay safe, always download apps only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and avoid installing APK files from unknown websites.
