TalkScams Team — educational discussion
Fake tracking number used to delay a refund — warning signs and safety checks
TalkScams Team discussion starter — an educational scam scenario, not a victim account.
What is the scam pattern?
A non-delivery scam may offer shipping updates to reassure a purchaser while avoiding clear proof the order was dispatched to the correct address. The FTC encourages buyers to keep purchase records and enforce delivery and refund rights.
Warning signs to recognize
1. The tracking page has no credible carrier movement or does not match your address.
2. The seller's identity and payment protections cannot be verified
How to check or protect yourself
1. Check tracking on the carrier's official site and escalate a missing-order dispute.
2. Retain receipts and report suspicious merchants to the marketplace or FTC
Discuss with the community
How would you verify the seller, payment method and return policy before buying?
Original government advisory: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/how-avoid-online-shopping-scam-holiday-season