Alert : Mirror website scam – fake sites copy major e-commerce platforms

For the past few weeks, scammers have been multiplying “mirror shops”: fake websites that perfectly imitate the most well-known e-commerce platforms. These fraudulent copies reproduce the appearance of major brands such as Amazon, Temu or Shein to trick consumers and steal their banking details. Stay vigilant: here is how to spot them and avoid the trap.

Mirror websites: deceptive copies of legitimate stores

Cybercriminals exploit the reputation of popular retailers to create highly convincing visual clones. The user believes they are browsing the official website, while they are actually on an imitation hosted abroad.

How the scam works

Scammers fully copy the design, logo and sections of a real online shop. The fake website is then promoted through sponsored links, SMS messages, emails or social media ads. As soon as a user makes a purchase, the payment is intercepted or redirected to a fraudulent account. No order is delivered and the banking details can be reused for further fraud.
Warning signs: slightly altered web address, spelling mistakes, absence of HTTPS certificate, abnormally low prices, missing legal notices, dead links.

Some tips:

• 🔍 Always check the exact website address before making any payment (e.g.: “amazon.com” ≠ “amaz0n.com”).
• 💳 Pay only on secure websites (padlock icon and address starting with https://).
• 🚫 Be cautious with sponsored ads or links shared by SMS.
• 🧾 Pay attention to inactive links, spelling errors and approximate translations.
• 📢 Report suspicious websites to the UK authority Report Fraud (UK) or the US authority FTC Fraud Reporting (US).

Conclusion

Mirror websites exploit the trust placed in major retailers to scam consumers. Always check the website address before purchasing and prioritise official channels. If in doubt, never confirm a payment and report the fraudulent website.

To go further:
Online shopping: the rules to follow for safe purchases

Written by : René Ronse
Methodology : Our alert articles are based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, and statements issued by relevant authorities.
About the author : René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Sources : helpnetsecurity.com | abc.net.au | trouver-avocats.fr | economie.fgov.be | franceinfo.fr
Last updated : 10 March 2026.
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