Scammers Target Amazon, eBay, and Walmart's Shady Online Marketplaces

Scams added to the fakes, fraud, and replicas flooding e-commerce websites.

July 29, 2020 - Los Angeles, CA – Consumers are learning that that Amazon, eBay, and Walmart's online marketplaces are risky shopping experiences that offer an enormous amount of counterfeit, fraudulent, and replica products along with scams and fraudulent reviews. Scammers seize the opportunity to separate consumers and sellers from their cash or merchandise.

Here are some common online scams you should know about.

The Money.

1. Never pay for your purchase by check, wire transfer, or money order. If the seller asks you to do so, it's likely a scam. Never accept a check or money order as a seller, you increase your odds of getting scammed. Never accept a check for more money than the purchase with a request to refund the overpayment - you are getting scammed. Always wait for the funds to clear.
2. The buyer submits a chargeback to their credit card company on a false pretense. The credit card company will render a decision based on the evidence.

Counterfeits, Fakes, and Replicas.

1. Consumers just don't have a chance against the counterfeits and replicas - you can't verify before you buy. 90% of Walmart items are from Marketplace sellers, and about 80% of eBay sales and 60% of Amazon sales are from unvetted global Marketplace sellers, mostly from China.
2. If you are going to buy from the e-commerce giants, buy directly from the manufacturer's own listing, not a third-party seller. Or better yet, buy directly from the manufacturer's website.
3. 200,000 brands are fighting fakes on Amazon, illuminating the enormity of the problem. The Counterfeit Report, an award-winning consumer advocate and counterfeit watchdog, has removed over 400 million counterfeit, fraudulent, and replica items from Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Alibaba on behalf of infringed brand-owners
4. Amazon has established a pattern of ignoring counterfeit complaints, allowing counterfeit merchandise to remain, or sellers to relist. Did you get a fake?

The Product.

1. You don't receive the product, The e-commerce giants all have a claim process for products not received, and tracking number validation.
2. The seller sends an empty box, or the buyer claims they received an empty box. The e-commerce site will decide who is telling the truth.
3. The product is used, defective, expired, or missing parts. A claim can be submitted and the item can usually be returned.
4. The product shipped to your address with the wrong name, or you didn't order it. The fraudulent seller is gambling you will "return item to sender" untracked, keeping both your money and the product.
5. You ordered from Amazon, but the item was delivered from Walmart or China. The seller was a middleman, profiting off the "float" of a cheaper price offered elsewhere. Always shop for competitive prices.
6. Amazon's Fulfilled by Amazon ("FBA") distribution centers are utilized to hide the origin of China goods and expedite delivery to just days. Amazon marketplace seller products are commingled and may be sent from the closest fulfillment center to buyers. Counterfeits and replicas may include Amazon's coveted "Prime" and "Amazon's Choice" endorsements.

Phishing Scams.

1. Email requests ask to verify your password, credit card, or online account via a link to login. The link goes to a fraudulent website that appears legitimate. Always login directly to your account, never from an email link.
2. Fraudulent customer service representatives may ask to remotely take over your computer to correct account problems. Your data, account information, and passwords are exposed and can be accessed by the fraudsters.

Feedback and Reviews.

1. Online reviews are no indication of authenticity or quality. The review systems are awash in fraud, paid endorsements, and manipulation by the sellers and e-commerce sites themselves. Fakespot Inc., which identifies fraudulent reviews, reports that more than one-third of online reviews on Amazon and Walmart are fake.
2. Amazon blocks or removes negative product feedback and consumer warnings about dangerous and potentially deadly items while facilitating counterfeit and fraudulent product sales.
3. eBay admitted it removes counterfeit and negative feedback left by buyers (read the Business Insider article)
4. A Walmart spokeswoman said that the website does source a small number of reviews from third parties such as brands and review sites.

America was founded on free trade, but that also has to include fair trade. America's security and future are at risk. While waiting for Congress to act, consumers would be better served to shop at local retailers or online with the major authorized retailers (Kroger, Costco, Home Depot, Target, Lowes, Best Buy, etc.) who offer consumers competitive (and often better) purchase options for authentic products. The manufacturer's website is always an excellent choice for selection and authentic goods.