Online Shopping Payment Scams in Pakistan and How to Avoid Them
Fake "advance payment" requests, courier calls asking for a code, and refund tricks. The common scams Pakistani shoppers face and the simple rules that keep your money safe.
By Ali Hamza ·
Most online-shopping fraud in Pakistan follows a few patterns. Once you recognise them, they are easy to avoid.
Scam 1: "Pay a small advance to confirm"
A seller — or someone pretending to be one — asks for an advance by JazzCash, Easypaisa or bank transfer "to book your order" and then stops answering. On Stylica you never pay in advance. Every order is Cash on Delivery, and a seller asking for money outside Stylica is breaking our rules. Report it with Report a problem → Asked to pay outside Stylica.
Scam 2: "Move to WhatsApp, it's easier"
Leaving the platform removes your protection: no order record, no messages our team can check, no refund through Stylica. That is why phone numbers and links are hidden in Stylica messages. Keep every conversation in your order messages.
Scam 3: the fake courier or "Stylica" call
Someone calls saying your parcel is stuck and asks for a code sent to your phone, or an extra fee by wallet. Never share a one-time code with anyone — not a rider, not a "support agent", not us. Stylica will never ask for your password, PIN or code. Check your order status yourself in Track order.
Scam 4: the refund trick
"We sent you too much refund, please send the difference back." Refunds on Stylica appear in your order with the exact amount; nobody will ask you to send money back to a personal number.
Scam 5: paying a different amount at the door
Pay the rider only the amount shown in your order. If the rider asks for more, do not pay — contact us and report it.
Five rules to remember
- Pay only on delivery, only the order amount.
- Never share one-time codes, PINs or passwords.
- Keep chats and payments on Stylica.
- Check the order and tracking in your own account.
- Report anything suspicious at once — our contact details are on the contact page.