Fake Shopping Websites Explode During 11.11 Sales. Online shoppers are facing a major increase in online fraud as fake shopping websites continue to multiply during the global 11.11 sale season. Cybersecurity company Kaspersky has warned that scammers are taking advantage of high-traffic shopping events to trick people into sharing their personal and banking information.
These fraudulent websites are becoming more sophisticated, copying the look and feel of major international e-commerce brands to trap unsuspecting customers.
Why Fake Shopping Websites Surge During 11.11 Sales
Every year, big sale events like 11.11, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday attract millions of buyers. Scammers use this excitement and urgency to:
- Create fake online stores that look real
- Send phishing messages through email and social media
- Trick users with unbelievable discounts and limited-time offers
Kaspersky reports that many of these websites are designed to steal payment information, drain bank accounts, or collect sensitive personal data for later misuse.
New Scam Trends: Fake E-Commerce Sites Imitating Big Brands
According to Kaspersky, scammers are now cloning well-known platforms such as:
- Amazon
- Lazada
- Shopee
- Other fabricated e-commerce names you’ve never heard of
These fake websites often:
- Display fake “order confirmed” messages
- Ask for full card details at checkout
- Never deliver any products
- Steal all the personal data entered on the website
In many cases, the victims only realize they’ve been scammed once their bank accounts start showing unauthorized transactions.
How Scammers Target Shoppers
Cybercriminals mainly use:
1. Fake Email Campaigns
These emails look like official brand promotions but lead users to scam websites.
2. Social Media Ads
Sponsored ads offering “90% off,” clearance deals, or limited stock products redirect users to fraudulent online stores.
3. Phishing Links
Links are spread through messaging apps, SMS, or pop-ups urging users to “Buy Now.”
Once users enter their payment details, scammers disappear.
Expert Warning: Why Shoppers Fall for These Scams
Olga Altukhova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, explained that major shopping events create a sense of urgency:
“During big sales like 11.11, people rush to buy discounted items without checking website authenticity. This makes it easier for scammers to steal payment information.”
She advises shoppers to:
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links
- Use a separate bank card for online shopping
- Immediately contact their bank if they entered details on a suspicious website
How to Shop Safely During 11.11 Sales
Kaspersky recommends following the steps below to stay safe during online shopping:
1. Verify Email Senders
Always check if the promotional email is from an official source before clicking anything.
2. Avoid Unfamiliar Links and Attachments
Do not open attachments or promotional links from unknown senders, even if they look real.
3. Check the Website URL Carefully
Fake websites often have small spelling changes such as:
- amaz0n.com
- lazzada.shop
- amazn-sale.store
If the domain looks suspicious, leave immediately.
4. Inspect the Website Design
Fake online stores often have low-quality images, broken links, grammatical errors, or missing customer service details.
5. Use Reliable Security Software
Kaspersky says that security solutions like Kaspersky Premium can detect:
- Fake shopping websites
- Phishing pages
- Unsafe payment portals
The product is certified by AV-Comparatives for detecting fake e-commerce sites.
6. Research Before Buying From New Stores
Check:
- Customer reviews
- Seller ratings
- Website reputation
- Social media legitimacy
If reviews seem fake or too positive, avoid the website.
7. Monitor Your Bank Statements Regularly
Instead of waiting for monthly bills, check your online banking frequently. Report unauthorized transactions immediately.
Signs a Shopping Website Is Fake
Here are the most common red flags:
- Prices too good to be true
- No physical address or customer care number
- Only one payment method (usually card payments)
- No return or refund policy
- Poor grammar or unclear product descriptions
- Website is newly created
- No “https://” secure connection
If you notice any of these signs, do NOT enter your card details.
How to Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Fraud
To reduce the risk of being scammed during 11.11 or any sale:
- Use cash on delivery if available
- Enable bank transaction alerts
- Avoid saving card details on websites
- Use virtual cards or prepaid cards for online shopping
- Keep your device software updated
These safety steps can dramatically reduce fraud risk.
Conclusion
The rise of fake shopping websites during 11.11 sales is a serious issue. Scammers exploit excitement around big discounts to steal money and personal information. By staying alert, checking website authenticity, and using secure payment methods, shoppers can avoid falling victim to these online fraud schemes. Always shop smart, verify every link, and protect your financial information at all times.
