False Storefront

Similar to the Auction Fraud. Instead of using an auction site the fraudster creates an entire site that appears to be legitimate. Payment is collected, but the merchandise is never delivered.
It is very easy to set up a website with a polished, professional appearance. The site may include shopping carts and secure transaction processing. It may also have absolutely no substance behind it. If you are not familiar with a company be cautious about the transaction. This is not to say you should not do business with newly established companies, but caveat emptor let the buyer beware.
To protect yourself, contact the Better Business Bureau serving the area where the company is based. Obtain recommendations from other people who have been satisfied in their dealings with the company. There are online business rating and feedback message boards which may contain valuable information. Remember, you could be a victim of bad business practices just as easily as you could be a victim of a fraud.
Be very cautious about sending wire transfers, money orders, cashier's checks, or making deposits directly into bank accounts. Once these types of payments are made, there is no recourse if the expected merchandise is never delivered. Most legitimate businesses will accept payment via credit card. Because the company will have to satisfy certain requirements in order to obtain a merchant account you can have a higher level of trust in them. In addition, credit cards offer the buyer some protection if the merchandise is never delivered.