The internet offers a world of amazing deals, but the promise of a steep discount can sometimes mask a deceptive or illegal scheme. Scammers exploit the excitement of online shopping to lure consumers into fraudulent situations that range from selling counterfeit goods to outright theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) constantly warns shoppers that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. These schemes often leave victims with a lost payment, a compromised identity, or a product that is nothing like what was advertised.
