HDE warns: Around 1,800 new fake online shops each month, with AI making fraud harder to spot

The German Retail Federation (HDE) warned that around 1,800 new fake online shops go live each month. In spring 2026, the Fake Shop Finder run by Germany’s consumer advice centers identified its 100,000th fraudulent online shop. Criminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to quickly create fake shops that look professional and have flawless legal text, making traditional warning signs such as language errors and poor design less reliable. HDE advises consumers to check for a complete, verifiable Impressum, contact details, the total price, and return information before placing an order; avoid paying solely in advance; and use the Fake Shop Finder to verify a merchant’s credibility.