What is "shopping fraud"?

Shopping fraud refers to deceptive practices that mislead consumers in the context of buying goods or services. It entails any fraudulent activity that may occur during the shopping experience, where sellers may provide false information regarding their products, manipulate prices or promotional offers, or present fake deals that do not exist. This type of behavior directly undermines consumer trust and can result in financial loss or compromised personal data for shoppers.

The focus on "deceptive practices" emphasizes that the core issue is not just about the act of selling or purchasing, but rather the intent and methods used to mislead the consumer. Unlike legitimate sales, where consumers receive fair value in exchange for their money, shopping fraud involves deliberate manipulation to benefit the seller at the expense of the buyer. Understanding this concept is crucial for consumers to protect themselves against various fraudulent schemes that can arise in the marketplace.