Been scammed by a ‘business’ on Facebook?
You’re not alone. It’s not all fun and games when it comes to buying from ads on Facebook.
There is no regulation of companies on Facebook and other social media sites. Anyone can create an advertisement and sell on these sites.
This has led to a barrage of fake companies advertising on Facebook and Instagram, offering unbelievable deals on designer clothing and other items.
These scammers take advantage of the assumption our social media friends are using them. However, they are actually paid adverts.
A typical advertisement on Facebook will indicate that its sponsored. Ads can be bought for as little as $5.
These paid advertisements can reach thousands of individuals, some of who, without putting much thought into it, may “Like” the photo or the deal.
If a friend of yours hits that “Like” button, for whatever reason, it can look like they have endorsed the company. Even if that wasn’t their intention.
Wondering how these scammers get such amazing photos to promote fake products?
Here is what Julie Wheeler, the President of the Better Business Bureau, told WLSL Virginia News. “They take images off everybody else’s sites.”
Wheeler further described the reality of the deal, “When people order them, the company is actually in China. They go and buy fabric they think looks like the picture, sequins that look like it and just put something together. The sizes bear no resemblance to sizes you would think they would be. The colors aren’t what they should be… Just horrible nightmare stories. And you can’t return it.”
New communities on Facebook and Instagram are being formed to share stories, support, and warn shoppers of scams like these.
One such community is SCAM ALERT & Real Customer Reviews, which has over 6,000 members. Many of them tell stories of getting the wrong products or no products at all.
Consumer Press spoke to “Dawn”, a member of the Scam Alert Facebook page. She shared her scam story from their page:
The unique aspect of Dawn’s story is that she used PayPal and still has been unable to get her money back. PayPal offers “Purchase Protection“, but it only applies to certain purchases and has specific terms.
The Better Business Bureau has given many of these companies, including RoseGal.com, an “F” rating. They continue to warn customers to apply due diligence prior to making purchases with online businesses.
Wheeler advises to consider this about the companies. “Are you going to be able to get in touch with them if you have a problem. Do you have a physical address that you can actually say, ‘The business is located at this address?’ Check with us (the BBB) and see if we have any experience with them.”
A list of alleged scammers has been posted by the SCAM ALERT Facebook group, though some of the sites included on the list are said to be used by scammers, not actual scammers themselves.
The list includes: zaful.com, dresslily.com, nastydress.com, rosegal.com, romwe.com, rosewe.com, shein.com, sammydress.com, wish.com, modlily.com, twinkledeals.com, choies.com, dealsmachine.com, ericdress.com, everbuying.com, fashionmia.com, fashiondresswholesale.com, gearbest.com, jollychic.com, lovelywholesale.com, rosewholesale.com, beddinginn.com, tbdress.com, tidebuy.com, wigsbuy.com, aliexpress.com, alibaba.com, asap.com, betabrand.com, beautifulhalo.com, cupshe.com, dresswe.com, onfancy.co.uk, rotita.com, stylewe.com, sweetdressy.com, tidestore.com, tinydeal.com, vessos.com, walktrendy.com, wanelo.com, yeahwill.com and yoins.com.
Has a Facebook scam gotten you?
Tell us about it in our comments section.
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They’ll definitely appreciate the heads up!