Online Shopping Scams in Pakistan
As more Pakistanis shop online, scammers have become increasingly sophisticated. Here are the five most common scams we've identified through user reports on Pehle Parkho, along with practical advice to protect yourself.
🚨 Scam #1: The Too-Good-To-Be-True Deal
How it works: Fraudsters list popular products at unbelievably low prices — a brand-new iPhone for 30,000 PKR, or a designer bag for 5,000 PKR. Once you pay, the product never arrives, or you receive a counterfeit.
Protection tips:
- Compare prices across multiple platforms
- Be suspicious of prices more than 40% below market rate
- Always use cash on delivery when shopping with unfamiliar sellers
🚨 Scam #2: Fake Payment Gateways
How it works: You receive a link that looks like a legitimate payment page (JazzCash, Easypaisa, or a bank portal) but it's a phishing site designed to steal your credentials.
Protection tips:
- Always type the URL yourself, never click links from unknown sources
- Check for HTTPS and the correct domain name
- Enable two-factor authentication on all payment apps
🚨 Scam #3: Advance Payment Fraud
How it works: The seller demands full or partial payment before delivery, then disappears after receiving the money. COD is the standard in Pakistan for a reason.
Protection tips:
- Never pay in advance for products from unknown sellers
- Use platforms that offer buyer protection
- Check the seller's reviews on Pehle Parkho
🚨 Scam #4: Fake Social Media Shops
How it works: Scammers create professional-looking Facebook or Instagram pages with stolen product images. They run targeted ads to Pakistani users and disappear after collecting payments.
Protection tips:
- Check how long the page has been active
- Look for genuine customer engagement, not just likes
- Search for the business name on Pehle Parkho
🚨 Scam #5: Impersonation of Legitimate Brands
How it works: Scammers pretend to be well-known companies like Daraz, Foodpanda, or Careem, sending fake order confirmations or refund offers to steal your information.
Protection tips:
- Official companies never ask for your PIN or password
- Verify suspicious messages by contacting the company directly
- Check the sender's email address carefully
🛡️ Your Safety Checklist
Before making any online purchase:
1. ✅ Research the seller on Pehle Parkho
2. ✅ Prefer cash on delivery
3. ✅ Verify the website is legitimate
4. ✅ Read recent customer reviews
5. ✅ Trust your gut — if it feels wrong, walk away
Report Scams on Pehle Parkho
Help the community by reporting fraudulent businesses on our platform. Your reports protect thousands of other Pakistani shoppers.