Beware Of Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ Scam Websites

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Many shady websites promote tempting “Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’” offers to scam customers. These fraudulent sites bait people in with Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ deals, only to never deliver products or steal personal information.

These fake clearance sale websites prominently tout limited-time specials like “Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’” along with other promotions. But it’s simply a deceitful ploy they use before ripping people off.

Buy 1 Get 1 Free 'Clearance Sale' Scams

How the Scam Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ Sites Work

The scam websites are designed to appear as legitimate online stores having apparel, tech, or jewelry clearance sales with deep discounts.

They look professional with product photos, categories, shopping carts, and checkout forms. They also use sales countdown timers to create urgency around the Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ event.

But upon closer inspection, numerous red flags appear:

  • No business registration, contact info, addresses, or phone numbers. Just an email address.
  • Domain names slightly altered from real brands by adding minor words or letters.
  • Terrible grammar, spelling errors, repetitive or nonsensical text.
  • Fake, overly positive customer reviews that seem suspicious.
  • Non-working social media links.
  • Requests for unsafe payment methods like bank transfer or gift cards.

When customers order through these sites, their money is stolen. Or they receive low-quality knockoffs. Some sites steal credit card info for fraud too. The Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ promos are solely a scam tactic.

How to Spot the Fake Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ Sites

However, there are ways to identify these shady Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ websites:

  • Search online for the site name and words like “scam” or “review” to uncover warnings.
  • Verify any provided contact information. Email addresses should match the domain.
  • Check for the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) icon during checkout, ensuring encryption protection.
  • Look up physical addresses in Google Maps. Fake ones won’t be accurate businesses.
  • Price match high-ticket items. Deebly discounted items are a red flag.
  • Reverse image search product photos. Matching results on other sites indicates a fraud.
  • Test social media links to confirm they work and match the website content.
  • Beware sites only offering payment methods with no buyer protection.

What to Do if Scammed by a Fake Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ Website

If you ordered through one of these shady websites and never got your items, take these steps:

  • Quickly contact your bank or credit card company to report fraudulent charges and cancel any recurring payments.
  • Monitor financial accounts closely for unauthorized charges and dispute them promptly.
  • Check credit reports for any opened accounts you did not authorize and resolve them.
  • File an official internet crime complaint at IC3.gov regarding the scam website.
  • Leave online reviews detailing your experience to warn other consumers.
  • Notify mail carriers if you suspect package theft or forwarding fraud.
  • Contact your local consumer protection agency for assistance and to alert them to the scam.
  • Reset all account passwords in case any were compromised on the fake site.

Avoiding Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ Scams

The lure of snagging a free item is compelling. But stay vigilant against schemes using Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ deals to ultimately defraud people. Protect yourself by:

  • Only shopping with trusted, familiar online retailers.
  • Researching unfamiliar sites thoroughly before buying.
  • Confirming professional contact information.
  • Using credit cards for purchase protection and fraud disputes.
  • Ensuring sites have secure checkout protocols.
  • Reporting any scams you come across to help others avoid them.

Staying informed is the best way to steer clear of clearance sale scammers and their deceitful Buy 1 Get 1 Free ‘Clearance Sale’ ploys. Be a smart online consumer and only shop with reputable sellers.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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