Administration & Legal
Online purchase scam: getting money back
Online purchase scam: the right reflexes in a few simple steps.
Written by Mohamed IDBRAHIM · Updated octobre 13, 2026 · 7 min read
Immediate actions
- 1 Contact the seller and platform dispute system first.
- 2 Request a chargeback from your bank within the deadline.
- 3 Report the seller to consumer protection agencies.
- 4 Leave factual reviews to warn other buyers.
What not to do / warning
Card chargebacks have strict deadlines — act within days.
When a online purchase scam happens, the first minutes matter. Follow these steps to act safely and without panic.
What to do right now
- Contact the seller and platform dispute system first.
- Request a chargeback from your bank within the deadline.
- Report the seller to consumer protection agencies.
- Leave factual reviews to warn other buyers.
Mistakes to avoid
- Acting before removing the immediate source of danger.
- Panicking or skipping the official procedures.
- Following unverified advice from random websites.
How to prevent this in the future
Regular checks, keeping emergency numbers visible and preparing an essentials kit go a long way. Save this guide for offline access.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first?
Ensure everyone is safe, remove the source of danger, then call the relevant number or begin the official procedure.
When should I call emergency services?
Whenever life, serious injury or fire is involved. When in doubt, call — dispatchers would rather check than miss an emergency.
Sources & references
- FTC (https://www.ftc.gov/)