Is It Really a Deal? The Online Shopping Scam Defense Kit (Printable PDF)

That 80%-off deal looks amazing. So does the fake store selling it.

A social media ad for a sold-out toy at half price. A "closing sale" on brand-name boots. A Marketplace seller who just needs a quick deposit on Zelle to hold it for you.

Fake stores now look as polished as the real thing. And when the order never shows up, the money is often gone for good, especially if you paid the wrong way.

The Is It Really a Deal? Online Shopping Scam Defense Kit gives your family a simple check to run before you pay, the payment methods that actually protect you, and a plan for getting your money back if something goes wrong. No tech skills needed, and it's perfect before the holiday shopping rush.

What's inside (13 printable pages)

• How shopping scams work: fake stores, fake ads, fake sellers, fake buyers, and fake delivery texts.
• The 7 red flags: warning signs that show up on almost every fake store or listing.
• The 60-second store check: five quick checks to run before buying from any site you don't know.
• Pay the safe way: a simple chart showing which payment methods protect you and which ones don't.
• Marketplace scripts: exactly what to say to sketchy buyers and sellers on Facebook Marketplace and similar sites.
• Shop smarter checklist: simple habits and settings that make your family a harder target.
• Holiday purchase tracker: a fill-in log of every order, so you have proof if something never arrives.
• Cut-out fridge card and wallet cards: the rules, right by the computer.
• The money-back plan: step-by-step actions for every payment type if you've been scammed.
• The 10-minute family conversation: how to set the plan before anyone buys gifts online.

Who it's for

• Holiday shoppers buying gifts online
• Adult kids who want to protect their parents and grandparents
• Anyone who buys or sells on Facebook Marketplace
• Anyone looking for a thoughtful, practical gift

Why families love it

• Large, easy-to-read type designed for older readers
• A 60-second check anyone can do before paying
• Print at home on standard letter-size paper
• Protects the whole family, not just one person

Instant digital download. No physical item will be shipped. You'll get a download link right after checkout.

Complete the set: pair it with Is It Really You? (AI voice scams) and Is It Really Your Bank? (text and email scams), or save with the Family Scam Defense Bundle.