A few months ago, I shared a story about almost falling for a fake online store when I was shoe shopping—though I did eventually get my shoes, it was quite the ordeal. Sadly, it seems that such scams are on the rise, and thousands of fraudulent online stores are now targeting holiday shoppers in a new wave of scams. If you’re planning to buy gifts or make any purchases online, this is something to keep an eye on.
In October, threat researcher EclecticIQ identified around 4,700 fake online stores that are targeting shoppers in the US and Europe. These fake sites are part of a coordinated scam ring, designed to collect payment information, including credit card details, which can then be used for identity theft or unauthorized purchases. Based on their research, including IP address tracking, EclecticIQ believes the sites are being operated from China. They’ve named this operation “SilkSpecter,” and it’s making waves for its scale and sophistication.
The scammers behind SilkSpecter use some advanced techniques to mimic legitimate online stores, including popular brands such as The North Face, LL Bean, and IKEA. They’ve also jumped on the Black Friday hype, using related promotional images and URLs that make the sites appear even more legitimate. Some sites even dynamically translate their content based on the user’s location, further increasing their sense of authenticity. To collect sensitive information, these stores are using the Stripe API system, which is commonly used by legitimate stores for payment processing.
EclecticIQ’s findings serve as a strong reminder for shoppers to be cautious. Just because an online store appears in a Google search, or even on the dedicated shopping tab, doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy. I’ve personally come across similar fake stores in my searches, and Google’s automated verification system often misses these red flags. The same caution should be applied to ads—especially those on social media—or links sent via email. If the deal seems too good to be true (like shoes that are half off and somehow available in every size), it probably is. Before finalizing a purchase, take a moment to search for the verified, official storefront to confirm its legitimacy.
For added protection, EclecticIQ suggests using virtual credit cards. These are temporary “dummy” cards that can be assigned a spending limit or quickly discarded after use. Many banks offer them, and they provide an extra layer of security when shopping online, especially during the hectic holiday season.
