Lidl bargains? Criminals are behind these ads
Summary
Why is this warning issued?
This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this fraud scheme. The assessed risk is elevated.
How the scam works
- Criminals set up an online shop that imitates Lidl's logo, design, and appearance in a deceptively realistic way.
- They offer popular products such as lawn mowers, fully automatic coffee machines, or pizza ovens at extremely low prices.
- Through paid ads in search engines and social networks, the fake shops appear high up in the search results.
- The shop page uses artificial time pressure ('Only a few left', 'Offer ends soon') to make you order quickly.
- When paying, prepayment by bank transfer is often the only option.
- After payment, the goods are not delivered – the money is gone.
How to recognise it
- The web address differs from the official Lidl address (e.g., not lidl.at or lidl.de).
- An imprint is missing or the information provided is incomplete.
- Prices are unrealistically low – e.g., a pizza oven for 79 euros instead of around 1,400 euros.
- Artificial time pressure through notices like 'Only a few left in stock' or countdown timers.
- The only payment method offered is bank transfer/prepayment.
- A search for the web address yields no reputable reviews or even warnings.
- Prepayment only as payment method
- Unrealistically low prices on branded goods
How to protect yourself
- Do not click directly on ads, but enter the official address (e.g., lidl.at) yourself in the browser.
- Check whether the advertised offer can also be found on the official website of the discounter.
- Pay close attention to the web address and compare it with the official domain.
- Search for the shop's web address in a search engine and check whether there are warnings or reviews.
- Choose secure payment methods (e.g., credit card, PayPal, purchase on invoice) instead of prepayment only.
- Keep order confirmations, payment receipts, and emails in case you did fall into the trap.
What you should never do
- Do not click thoughtlessly on ads for extremely cheap Lidl offers.
- Do not pay by prepayment if no other payment method is offered.
- Do not let statements like 'Only a few available' put you under time pressure.
- Do not order before you have checked the imprint, address, and reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay if I ordered from the fake shop?
If you have not transferred money yet, do not order and cancel the process. If you have already paid, the money is usually gone – but contact your credit card company or bank immediately and ask for a chargeback.
Where did the criminals get my data?
In most cases, your data is not stolen directly. The criminals simply place ads that are shown to all users searching for certain products.
How can I tell if a Lidl shop is genuine?
The official address is lidl.at (Austria) or lidl.de (Germany). If the web address differs significantly, caution is advised – even if the logo looks genuine.
What can I do if I have already paid?
Secure all documents (order confirmation, emails, payment receipts), contact your bank or credit card company for a chargeback, and file a police report.
What happens if I do not react?
If you do not take action, the money may be lost. In addition, there is a higher chance that the criminals will attempt further orders from you or use your data for other scams.
Affected data
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Original source
Find more information in the original source.
Watchlist Internet ↗Update history
- 26/07/2026Description updated
- 24/07/2026Warning added from an official source