IGLOO Coolers has become one of the most popular and trusted brands for high-performance insulated coolers and drinkware. However, IGLOO’s reputation for quality has also made them a prime target for unscrupulous scammers creating elaborate fake e-commerce sites to rip off customers.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of how these fraudulent IGLOO websites operate, the tactics they use, how to detect these scams, and steps to take if you have fallen victim to protect yourself.
Overview of Fake IGLOO Website Scams
There has been a surge of scam websites popping up that mimic real IGLOO sites down to using the exact logo, product photos, and branding. These fake sites with domain names like “IGLOOCoolersUS” or “IGLOODiscountsUS” lure in deal seekers with ads touting unbelievable prices on IGLOO coolers and products.
However, these copycat sites are not legitimate authorized IGLOO retailers. They will simply take shoppers’ money without ever fulfilling the orders, or send poor-quality knockoffs if any items arrive at all.
Once payments are processed, customers find their credit cards charged and end up receiving:
- Nothing – No products shipped at all is the most frequent result. The order and money simply vanish after checkout.
- Counterfeit goods – Cheap knockoffs made from inferior materials if any goods arrive. These will not match the original IGLOO product quality.
- Damaged or used items – Some receive coolers or drinkware that are scratched up, dented, or clearly been used previously.
- Completely wrong items – Many shoppers report orders arriving with random products totally unrelated to what was purchased.
These fake sites also harvest users’ personal information like names, addresses, and credit card numbers during checkout to likely resell on the dark web or use for identity theft.
Tactics Used by Fake Sites to Scam Victims
These fraudulent IGLOO retailer sites rely heavily on the slick presentation, savvy marketing techniques, and playing off the real brand’s trust to lure in victims. Some of the tactics include:
Highly Realistic Website Designs
The scam IGLOO sites invest heavily in closely mimicking the look, feel, and navigation of real IGLOO retailer sites. To unsuspecting visitors, they appear as legitimate online IGLOO stores.
Aggressive Social Media & Search Engine Marketing
Fake sites rely on running social media ads and search engine marketing campaigns to rank high in results for terms like “IGLOO coolers official site” or “IGLOO cooler sales.” This aims to manipulate search rankings to divert traffic from real sites.
Fake Celebrity Endorsements & Reviews
Some use fictitious celebrity endorsements and fake customer reviews to appear credible and trusted. Photos of celebrities using their coolers are photoshopped.
Bait-and-Switch Tactics
Ads promise huge discounts on IGLOO items that seem unbelievable. But orders never arrive, arrive broken or used, or completely different products sent.
Ignoring Customer Complaints
They simply ignore or block user emails and calls complaining of fraud. This allows the scam to continue without accountable customer service.
How To Spot Fake IGLOO Websites & Avoid Scams
While the site designs try mimicking legitimate retailers, there are ways to detect them as frauds upon closer inspection:
Warning Signs of Fake Sites
- Ridiculously low prices – Far cheaper than IGLOO costs at other retailers.
- Stock photos – Product photos appear generic, not original IGLOO official images.
- Missing contact details – No physical address, only a web contact form.
- Typos – Text has spelling and grammar errors.
- No SSL certificate – URLs lack “https://” and padlock icon.
- Short domain history – Site registered very recently.
- Payment only by credit card – No alternate payment methods allowed.
Safely Shopping for IGLOO Products Online
When looking for real IGLOO authorized sellers online, follow these tips:
- Verify seller on IGLOO’s site – Check they are listed as an official retailer.
- Look for contact details – Real stores list a physical address and customer service numbers.
- Search reviews – Look for mentions of scam activity tied to the domain.
- Use credit cards – Never pay direct bank transfers which lack fraud protection.
- Check URL & SSL – Real sites should have “https://” and a padlock icon by the URL.
- Avoid unbelievable deals – Discounts over 25% are highly suspicious.
Steps If You Are Scammed by a Fake IGLOO Website
If you placed an order through a fraudulent IGLOO site and suspect you have been scammed, take the following actions immediately:
Report Fraudulent Charges with Your Bank & Payment Provider
Contact your bank and payment provider used (credit card company, PayPal, etc) to report the fraudulent charges. Request a chargeback to reverse the payment if goods were not received. Provide any order details, site screenshots, emails etc as evidence of fraud.
Place Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports
Since fake sites capture your personal information, also place an initial 90-day fraud alert on your credit reports by contacting Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This will help prevent potential identity theft and further misuse of your details.
Change Any Passwords Used on the Site
If you used the same password on the fake IGLOO retailer site as any other accounts, change your passwords immediately. Assume your credentials are compromised. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Report Fake Website Details to Authorities
File reports about the scam, fraudulent website, and business details with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), FTC, state attorney general, and Better Business Bureau. Provide website screenshots, order details, and any evidence.
Warn Others About the Scam Site
Post reviews and complaints about the scam experience online to help warn other consumers. Report fake social media ads, pages, or listings pretending to sell genuine IGLOO products. Spread awareness about new fake retailer domains popping up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fake IGLOO Website Scams
How are so many fake sites able to use the IGLOO name and logo?
Scammers exploit the fact that enforcement against trademark infringement and counterfeit goods is largely complaint-driven. Until reported and pursued legally, they can quickly create lookalike sites confusing customers that they are legitimate.
Are the prices on fake sites really much lower than normal?
Yes, absurdly low prices like 50%+ below normal retail value are a telltale sign. They use extreme discounts on IGLOO items as bait because the real goal is stealing payment info, not actually shipping products.
What happens when I request a refund from fake IGLOO sites after being scammed?
Fraudulent sites essentially vanish after receiving payments. Emails or calls requesting refunds or support are completely ignored or rejected by the scammers behind them. There is no accountable customer service.
Can I get scammed even on sites that accept PayPal payments?
Unfortunately yes – fake sites can still process payments through PayPal by using a stolen or fraudulent PayPal account not tied to them. PayPal also favors buyers in claims though.
How can I tell if customer photos on an IGLOO site are fake or real?
Scam sites rely heavily on using fake customer photos. Reverse image searches can help uncover if photos were lifted from elsewhere online or are photoshopped. Authentic sites will have unique user images.
Are there any legitimate IGLOO coupon codes or discounts?
Yes, IGLOO does offer some seasonal promotions, discounts, and coupon codes on its official website and partnered retailers. However, coupons claiming over 25% off are highly suspicious. Verify codes on IGLOO’s site.
The Bottom Line
Shoppers must exercise extreme caution when searching for IGLOO products online to avoid falling victim to convincing fake retailer scam websites that are rampant now. Look for the warning signs outlined here, verify sellers carefully, and rely on secure payment methods to protect your information and money. Report any suspected fake IGLOO sites to stop these scammers in their tracks.
