THE NINTH SCAM OF THE SEASON
PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL LIFE™
Scammers may offer fake goods, counterfeit luxury items, or non-existent items sold online via Instagram shops or luxury flash-sales that suddenly vanish.
Warning signs
- The price seems too low on a luxury item that normally costs much more or an item that is hard to find is suddenly available
- Seller pressure is applied such as “only one left, act now”
- The seller has limited reviews, a social-media presence only and no physical store
- Payment is required via bank transfer rather than card or escrow
- After purchasing you receive a substandard item, or nothing at all and the seller disappears
How to stay safe
- Buy luxury items from authorized retailers or trusted vendors with a strong reputation
- Use payment methods that allow chargeback/recourse such as credit cards or mobile pay services
- Inspect goods carefully and ask for provenance, serial numbers, and independent verification
- Don’t be rushed into purchasing, scammers rely on urgency to override due diligence