‘It looked completely legitimate’: Shoppers caught out by fake NZ boutique websites

Shoppers across New Zealand have fallen for sophisticated fake websites mimicking popular boutique stores, leading to over 230 complaints to the Commerce Commission since March. These "ghost stores" are designed to appear completely legitimate, tricking consumers into making purchases they believe are legitimate. The issue highlights a growing trend in online scams and raises concerns about consumer protection and the ease with which scammers can create convincing fake sites. This underscores the need for better digital literacy and regulatory oversight to safeguard consumers from such deceptive practices.