LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS  7

LIST OF BOXES  10

LIST OF FIGURES  10

LIST OF TABLES  10

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY  11

1. INTRODUCTION  14

1.1. Context  14

1.2. Study design  15

2. ONLINE FRAUD AND FAKE WEB SHOPS IN THE EU: MAPPING PRACTICES AND CONSUMER IMPACTS  20

2.1. Exposure and inducement stage  21

2.1.1. Constructing a false identity – Cluster 1  21

2.1.2. Generating reach through trusted infrastructure – Cluster 2  23

2.1.3. Removing friction to purchase – Cluster 3  26

2.2. Transaction and harm stage  29

2.2.1. Non-performance and deceptive fulfilment – Cluster 4  29

2.2.2. Product harm: misrepresentation and safety risk – Cluster 5  30

2.2.3. Financial exploitation and remedy obstruction – Cluster 6  31

3. EU LEGAL AND ENFORCEMENT TOOLBOX: HOW INTERVENTION PATHWAYS ALIGN WITH THE FRAUD LIFECYCLE  34

3.1. Cross-cutting conditions  34

3.2. Exposure and inducement stage  35

3.2.1. Constructing a false identity – Cluster 1  35

3.2.2. Generating reach through trusted infrastructure – Cluster 2  41

3.2.3. Removing friction to purchase – Cluster 3  48

3.3. Transaction and harm stage  54

3.3.1. Non-performance and deceptive fulfilment – Cluster 4  54

3.3.2. Product harm: misrepresentation and safety risk – Cluster 5  56

3.3.3. Financial exploitation and remedy obstruction – Cluster 6  59

4. RECOMMENDATIONS  65

Priorities and sequencing  70