A worrying new online shopping scam has emerged involving sophisticated fake websites that falsely claim to be associated with “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” and promote convincing closing down sales with deep discounts. However, consumers should beware – “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” is not a real or authorized entity in any way. It is a completely fabricated name being illegally used by elaborate cybercrime groups to lure in victims and steal money and data.
This guide will uncover how this “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” scam works, techniques to spot their fake websites, and most importantly, how to avoid being swindled by these e-commerce scammers exploiting the trusted Tesco brand. Keep reading to learn more about this fraudulent scheme and shop online safely.
Overview of the Fake “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” Scam Websites
Online shopping scams involving highly sophisticated fake websites that falsely use the name “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” are rapidly increasing. These fraudulent sites are deceiving customers by claiming this non-existent store is having massive “closing down” sales with unbelievable discounts up to 90% off.
To be absolutely clear, “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” is not a real company. It is a completely fake name made up by scam website operators to try to falsely imply affiliation with the legitimate UK grocery chain Tesco. Any site using this scam name is guaranteed to be fraudulent.
In-depth analysis indicates these elaborate fake sites are part of an extensive interconnected scam network based overseas. The operators are completely anonymous, lacking any transparency about who is behind these unauthorized counterfeit websites.
They display fake logos mimicking Tesco, stolen Tesco product imagery, and the false claim that “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” is shutting down. However, the real Tesco brand has no connection to this scam whatsoever.
These criminal sites bait customers with unrealistic prices on groceries, home goods, and other products identical to those found on the real Tesco site. All product images, descriptions, and content are stolen from Tesco, demonstrating the lack of originality.
Once payments are submitted, customers either receive nothing or inferior knockoff items. The sophisticated scam network relies on social media ads to funnel traffic to their convincingly designed but completely fake websites.
This intricate scam aims to steal money through fraudulent orders, compromise users’ personal and payment data for potential identity theft, and avoid accountability through anonymity. Many scammed shoppers lose funds and have information stolen.
How the Fake “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” Scam Unfolds
Here is how the scam typically plays out for victims:
Step 1: See Social Media Ads for the Fake Store’s “Closing Down Sale”
The scam starts with enticing ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok with messages like “Tesco Clearance Supermarket Closing Down Sale! Up to 90% off everything!” Links go to counterfeit sites using the fake Tesco Clearance Supermarket name.
Step 2: Visit Deceptive High-Quality Website
The website falsely claims “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” is “closing down” and mimics Tesco branding and site design. Prices are suspiciously low to further the deception. All content is stolen from legitimate sources.
Step 3: Submit Order and Personal Information
During checkout, users enter shipping address, email, payment info, and other personal data which exposes them to potential identity theft down the line.
Step 4: Bait and Switch Tactics
Once orders are placed and paid for, customers receive:
- Nothing at all, just stolen money.
- Cheap counterfeits rather than advertised products.
- Used or tampered with items instead of new.
Emails and calls go unreturned as the criminals have already captured the payments.
Step 5: Chargebacks Fail Through Banks
Banks often cannot identify the phantom merchant, so fraudulent chargeback attempts fail. Users lose money and some have personal information stolen.
Safely Shopping at the Real Tesco Online
To avoid this scam, always make sure to only shop directly at the real Tesco website Tesco.com. Never trust any site using the fake name “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” or promoting unbelievable closing down deals. No matter how convincing the website looks, it is a fraudulent site if using that scam name. Stick with the real Tesco site for safe shopping.
Steps if Scammed by a Fake “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” Website
If you ordered from an unauthorized fake site using the Tesco Clearance Supermarket name and either got nothing or knockoffs, take these steps right away:
If you made a purchase or entered personal information this website, acting quickly can help you minimize financial loss, secure your accounts, and prevent further misuse of your data. Follow these steps carefully:
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately
If you paid with a credit or debit card, call your bank’s customer service line and explain that you placed an order on a website that may be fraudulent. Request to dispute the transaction or initiate a chargeback.
If you used PayPal or another payment processor, file a dispute through their resolution center and provide order confirmations, emails, or screenshots as supporting evidence.
Fast action gives you the best chance of recovering your money and preventing additional unauthorized charges. - Freeze or replace your payment method
If your card or account details were entered on this website, it’s safest to have your bank or provider issue a replacement card. This prevents future unauthorized transactions and protects your financial accounts.
Some banks may also offer temporary holds or fraud alerts, ensuring no additional transactions can be made without your consent. - Run a personal data removal scan
Fraudulent websites often collect personal information such as names, phone numbers, addresses, and emails. This data may be shared with third parties or added to marketing and phishing lists.
A trusted service such as Malwarebytes Personal Data Remover can identify where your information is listed across data broker networks and help you request its removal. - Check your digital footprint
Even if you didn’t lose money, your personal data could already be circulating online. Running a digital footprint scan can help reveal whether your email address, phone number, or other personal information is present in leaks or broker databases.
This allows you to take proactive measures such as changing credentials, monitoring accounts, or setting up alerts before your data is misused. - Change your passwords and enable 2FA
If the same email or password used during checkout is also used on other websites or services, update those credentials immediately.
Choose strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts, especially your primary email, banking apps, and social media. This extra security layer makes unauthorized access significantly harder. - Scan your device for potential threats
Many fraudulent sites contain hidden tracking scripts, phishing pop-ups, or files designed to compromise your security.
Run a full system scan using a trusted security solution such as Malwarebytes Free or ESET Online Scanner to make sure your device hasn’t been exposed to malware or spyware during the visit.
If any suspicious files are found, remove them and restart your device. - Check your accounts and statements regularly
Monitor your bank and credit card statements closely for any unauthorized activity. Look for unfamiliar charges, subscription renewals, or repeated small test transactions.
Also review your email inbox and online accounts for password reset notices or sign-in alerts you didn’t initiate. Report anything unusual to your bank or account provider immediately. - Report the incident to the appropriate authorities
Reporting helps law enforcement track fraudulent websites and can support your claim if needed.- In the U.S., file a report with FTC ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- In the EU, contact Europol or your national cybercrime unit.
- Globally, you can also submit the site to ScamAdviser to help warn other consumers.
Providing the website URL, order details, and communications increases the impact of your report.
- Save all evidence and communication
Keep copies of order confirmations, emails, payment records, chat logs, and screenshots of the website. This documentation can be crucial for supporting your chargeback request, reporting the case, or pursuing legal remedies if needed.
Store everything in one secure folder so you can easily provide it to your bank or relevant agencies. - Be cautious of follow-up contact
After incidents like this, affected individuals may receive fake refund messages, phishing emails, or phone calls pretending to offer “assistance.”
Do not click on unsolicited links, download attachments, or provide additional personal information. If you receive any message related to this website, verify its authenticity directly through your bank or official payment provider channels.
Fake “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” FAQs
Is “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” a real store?
No, “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” is a 100% fake scam name. It is not authorized, endorsed, or associated in any way with the real grocery chain Tesco. Any site using that name is guaranteed to be a fraudulent website.
Can the deals be real if a site says it’s Tesco Clearance Supermarket?
Absolutely not. Since it is a fabricated name, any claims of closing down sales or deep discounts by sites using that fake name are completely false. Real Tesco does not offer 90% off deals.
How can I identify a fake Tesco Clearance Supermarket site?
Warning signs include the use of that scam name, grammar/spelling errors, unbelievable pricing, stock photos, lack of legitimate contact details, and temporary-looking website URLs. None of these would be seen on real Tesco sites.
Is it safe to buy from Tesco Clearance Supermarket on Instagram or Facebook?
No, any social media offers claiming affiliation with the fake and non-existent Tesco Clearance Supermarket name should be considered highly suspicious and unsafe. Only trust real Tesco websites.
Can I get a refund if I was scammed by a fake Tesco Clearance Supermarket site?
If you, unfortunately, placed an order, immediately contact your bank/credit card company to report fraudulent charges and request a chargeback providing details and evidence of the scam. If you wired funds, recovery is extremely difficult.
The Bottom Line
Any website claiming to be or associated with “Tesco Clearance Supermarket” is 100% fraudulent. The Tesco name is being illegally used to trick shoppers seeking bargains. Consumers must stick to the real Tesco.com site and avoid the unbelievable deals these scams promote. With knowledge of their tactics, savvy shoppers can steer clear of these sophisticated fake websites aiming to steal money and data using a fake Tesco affiliation as a front.
