Fake Macy’s Online Shopping Sites Scam: Don’t Fall For It!

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian

Published on:

Online shopping has become a convenient and popular way to buy goods and services, especially during the pandemic. However, online shoppers also face the risk of falling prey to scammers who create fake websites that mimic legitimate ones. One such scam involves fake online shopping sites that use Macy’s logo and colors to trick people into buying counterfeit or non-existent products, or stealing their personal and financial information.

viors.shop scam

What is the Fake Macy’s Online Shopping Sites Scam?

The Fake Macy’s Online Shopping Sites Scam is a type of phishing scam that targets online shoppers who are looking for deals on Macy’s products. The scammers create fake websites that look like Macy’s official website, but have different domain names, such as macys-online.com, macys-sale.com, or macys-discount.com. These websites offer products that are either counterfeit, damaged, or never delivered. They also ask for the shoppers’ personal and financial information, such as name, address, credit card number, or social security number, which they use for identity theft or fraud.

How does the Fake Macy’s Online Shopping Sites Scam work?

The scammers use various methods to lure online shoppers to their fake websites. They may send spam emails or text messages that claim to offer discounts, coupons, or free shipping on Macy’s products. They may also use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, to post fake ads or reviews that link to their fake websites. They may also use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to make their fake websites appear higher in the search results when people search for Macy’s products.

Once the online shoppers click on the link to the fake website, they are presented with a website that looks very similar to Macy’s official website, with the same logo, colors, layout, and product categories. However, there are some signs that can indicate that the website is fake, such as:

  • The domain name is different from Macy’s official website (macys.com).
  • The website has poor grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
  • The website does not have a secure connection (https) or a padlock icon in the address bar.
  • The website asks for personal and financial information that is not necessary for the purchase, such as social security number or bank account number.
  • The website does not have a clear return policy, customer service contact information, or privacy policy.

If the online shoppers proceed to buy products from the fake website, they may end up receiving counterfeit or damaged products, or no products at all. They may also find unauthorized charges on their credit card statements, or receive calls or emails from scammers who claim to be from Macy’s and ask for more information or money.

What to do if you have fallen victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Fake Macy’s Online Shopping Sites Scam, you should take the following steps:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company and report the fraudulent transaction. Ask them to cancel your card and issue a new one.
  • Contact Macy’s customer service and inform them of the scam. They may be able to help you verify if the website you visited was legitimate or not.
  • File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. You can also report the scam to your state attorney general or local consumer protection agency.
  • Change your passwords and security questions for your online accounts, especially if you used the same ones for the fake website.
  • Monitor your credit reports and bank statements for any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

The Fake Macy’s Online Shopping Sites Scam is a serious threat to online shoppers who are looking for deals on Macy’s products. The scammers use fake websites that look like Macy’s official website to trick people into buying counterfeit or non-existent products, or stealing their personal and financial information. To avoid falling victim to this scam, online shoppers should be careful and vigilant when shopping online. They should always check the domain name, security features, and content of the website before making a purchase. They should also avoid clicking on links or ads that come from unknown sources. If they have fallen victim to this scam, they should report it to their bank, credit card company, Macy’s customer service, and FTC as soon as possible.

10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams

Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.

  1. Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.

    warning sign

    Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).

    If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.

  2. Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.

    updates guide

    Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.

    If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.

  3. Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.

    shield guide

    Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.

    If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.

  4. Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.

    install guide

    Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.

    If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.

  5. Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.

    cursor sign

    Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.

    If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.

  6. Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.

    trojan horse

    Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.

    If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.

  7. Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.

    lock sign

    Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.

    If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.

  8. Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).

    lock sign

    Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.

    If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.

  9. Back up important files and keep one backup offline.

    backup sign

    Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.

    If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.

  10. If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.

    warning sign

    Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.

    • Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
    • Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
    • Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
    • Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
    • Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
    • Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
    • Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.

These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.

Previous

Apekstore.com Scam: What It Is & How It Works!

Next

Myshort.ru Scam: What It Is & How The Myshort.ru Scam Works!