Beware of online shopping websites that use [email protected] as its email address. The websites use extremely low prices to attract online shoppers then proceed to scam customers by non-delivery of items and unauthorised credit card charges.
How The [email protected] Scam Works
[email protected] scam websites impersonate reputable brands like Nike, Costco, Adidas Watson, e.t.c. Their Ads contain URL link that directs to a spoofed landing page that looks like the brand impersonated. But the homepage is a different website design altogether that has a generic website design.
The website uses extremely low price to bait customers on social media platforms eg – Facebook, Tiktok. Social media users reported seeing Ads with very low prices tagged ‘Black Friday Sale’ ‘80% off’ e.t.c. which could be tempting to shoppers. . Limited countdown timers are further used to urge people to place an order immediately.
Once people place an order, the scam websites either send fake tracking details or nothing at all. However, there’s no package in transit. Customers don’t receive their package or get a refund. In rare scenario, an unrelated item like sunglass, scarf is delivered.
[email protected] Scam Websites
firsatlarin.com, joanndiscount.shop, e.t.c
NB – Come across [email protected] scam website not listed here? Please leave the website name in the comment section!
Red Flags To Look Out For in This Online Shopping Scam
Ridiculous Low Prices
The scam websites offer insane discount prices which isn’t available on legit reputable stores like Amazon.com. The low prices serve as a bait to lure unsuspecting people to the scam. Always remember the saying; If it is too good to be true, it certainly isn’t true.
New Domain
All [email protected] websites are recently registered. The registration timeframe is between 1 – 6 months.
Shady Contact Info
Aside from the associated email address, there’s no live chat or telephone number available to contact the business. Users of the site have reported delayed responses or no follow-up to their inquiries.
Doesn’t Accept PayPal
In order to avoid the option of refund, the scam sites don’t accept PayPal. This lack of secured payment method is a huge turn off and considered a major red flag..
Might Shut Down Anytime Soon
The websites are structured to expire in a year’s time. This indicates it was created for a short term plan. Reputable websites typically register domains for multiple years, indicating stability and a commitment to their business.
Copied Content
The content on the website are generic. The About Us, Terms of Service and Privacy Policy have been copied. Legitimate business always source and provide their own legal pages in order to protect both the business and customers right.
[email protected] Scam Reviews & Complaints
More than five hundred people have been scammed by [email protected] scam online stores. Aside the non-delivery of items, victims reported unauthorised credit charges which linked back to [email protected].
What To Do If You Got Scammed
Cancel your credit card
Immediately call your financial provider and cancel your credit card. By so doing, the credit card details you used for your transaction would become null and wouldn’t be charged in the future by the store.
Request for a new card
After the old credit card has been cancelled, ask for a new card, it doesn’t cost much to get one.Your credit card issuer will issue you a new one with different numbers.
Report the Fraud To Relevant Authorities
Report the scam to relevant authorities and organizations. This includes:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If you are in the United States, you can file a complaint with the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/.
- Your Local Consumer Protection Agency: Contact your local consumer protection agency or the equivalent regulatory body in your country.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the BBB if the online store is based in the United States.
Nora