Deichmann is a well-known German shoe company with stores across Europe. However, a dangerous scam has emerged that aims to take advantage of Deichmann’s reputation and dupe customers into buying from fake websites. This in-depth article will uncover how the Deichmann Clearance Sale scam works, how to spot these fraudulent sites, and most importantly, how to avoid becoming a victim.
Overview of the Deichmann Clearance Sale Scam
The scam centers around fake shopping websites designed to mimic the look and feel of the real Deichmann website. These scam sites advertise eye-catching clearance sales with discounts up to 90% off. Terms like “store closing sale”, “clearance sale”, and “going out of business” are used to create a false sense of urgency.
Unsuspecting shoppers are lured in by the promise of incredible deals on Deichmann shoes and accessories. However, those who place orders end up either receiving:
- Nothing at all. This is the most frequent outcome – orders simply vanish after payments are processed.
- Cheap knockoffs or inferior substitutes made with low-grade materials. These items in no way match the original product descriptions.
- Used, damaged or tampered goods. Some orders arrive with products that are clearly not new.
- Completely wrong items that have no semblance to what was ordered. This indicates no order accuracy whatsoever.
On top of this, these scam websites also harvest customers’ personal and financial data during checkout. Full names, addresses, phone numbers, credit card details – all are collected and likely sold on the dark web.
According to research, these fraudulent sites belong to an interconnected scam network based in China. This network runs countless sham shopping websites with the sole intent to defraud and steal from victims.
Below, we will analyze step-by-step how this scam ensnares customers, and what you can do to avoid it.
How the Deichmann Clearance Sale Scam Works
The scammers employ some common strategies and tactics across all their fraudulent sites. Here is exactly how this scam operates at each step of the purchase process:
Step 1: Creating Convincing Fake Sites
The first step is designing fake sites that can pass as authentic retailers at first glance. The scammers:
- Register domain names slightly different from the real site, often using .net or misspelled versions.
- Copy the branding, logos, product images and other assets from the real website to replicate its look.
- Plagiarize legal pages like Terms of Service and Privacy Policy from known scam sites.
- Provide fake physical addresses, phone numbers and other false contact details.
- Remove any social media links, live chat or other ways customers can contact them.
- Make no mention of who owns or operates the business.
Step 2: Advertising the Fake Sales
Next, the scam sites are aggressively marketed online:
- Facebook ads, Instagram influencers, and Google ads are used to direct traffic to the sites. False scarcity and urgency are created through slogans and countdown timers.
- Spam email campaigns promote the fake sales. Again urgency is conveyed through tactics like “24 hour flash sale”.
- Pop-up ads on sketchy piracy, gambling and porn sites bring in traffic from less discerning visitors.
Step 3: Tricking Shoppers into Buying
When visitors arrive at the site, a range of deception is used to convert them into buyers:
- Extreme discounts up to 90% off are offered to entice bargain hunters. In reality, the scammers never intend to honor these prices.
- Fake claims like “going out of business” or “clearance sale” make the deals seem legitimate.
- Products are all stolen from the real website. Images, descriptions and specs are ripped-off completely.
- Countdown timers, limited quantity alerts and other gimmicks create false scarcity. There are no actual limits.
- At checkout, users are prompted to enter credit card and personal info. Security badges feign legitimacy, but no real protection exists.
Step 4: Defrauding Victims without Delivering
Once scam orders are placed, one of several things may happen:
- Nothing ships out. The scammers take the money and the order vanishes. This is the most likely outcome.
- Knockoffs and cheap counterfeits are sent. These products bear little resemblance to the real goods.
- Used, damaged or tampered merchandise is shipped. The items are clearly not new.
- A random product is sent instead of the order. This proves no fulfillment is taking place.
- In each case, victims’ personal and payment data has still been stolen either way.
Step 5: Raking in Profits and Moving On
Because the scammers never intend to run real businesses, a few things happen once they have extracted enough money:
- The site disappears and orders go unfulfilled. Victims have no way to pursue refunds.
- If too many chargebacks occur, they abandon the merchant account but keep the fraud site active.
- When blacklisted, they reappear with new domain names and merchant accounts to repeat the scam.
- No real customer service is ever provided. Any communication is only to collect more payment.
This demonstrates how the full life cycle of the scam operates to cheat victims and bank profits. Next, we will cover how to detect their deceptive sites.
How to Spot Deichmann Clearance Sale Scam Websites: 8 Warning Signs
While the scam sites try hard to copy the look of authentic retailers, some key signs can help expose their fraud:
1. Fake Domain Names
The first red flag is the domain name itself. Scam sites will try to mimic the real site’s URL with tricks like:
- Using .net instead of .com (e.g. deichmanns.net)
- Misspelled or slightly altered URLs (deichmannsshoes.com)
- Inserting extra words like “outlet” or “store” (deichmannoutlet.com)
- Using subdomain names (clearance.deichmann.com)
None of these tactics will lead to the real site. Double check the domain against the legitimate Deichmann website.
2. Ridiculous Discounts and Deals
If an offer seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Real businesses cannot offer 90% off site-wide or similar outlandish discounts. These unbelievable deals are a telltale tactic of scammers.
3. Countdown Timers and High Pressure Tactics
Genuine retailers don’t bombard visitors with never-ending countdown timers, limited quantity alerts and other forced scarcity gimmicks. These tactics are designed to overwhelm critical thinking and rush visitors into a purchase.
4. Lack of Contact Information
There should be multiple ways to contact the company, such as a phone number, email, live chat box and physical address. Scam sites will only have an email at best.
5. No Social Media Presence
The real brand will have an active presence across Instagram, Facebook and other major platforms. Fraud sites are only advertised through paid ads. They won’t have a history of posts, followers or engagement.
6. Whois Data is Hidden
Performing a Whois domain lookup reveals who registered the site. Scam sites use proxy services to hide their ownership details. There should be an actual business name and address listed.
7. Generic Privacy Policy and Terms
Read through the legal pages. Scammers simply copy and paste these from other scam sites instead of drafting custom policies. You may find legal policies for a completely unrelated business.
8. Bad Grammar and Spelling
Sloppy writing filled with grammatical mistakes is a clear red flag. Legitimate businesses have proper spelling and grammar across all pages.
Watch for these key signs to determine if a website is a scam before making any purchases. If you detect multiple issues, the site cannot be trusted.
How to Identify the Deichmann Scam on Social Media
Scammers heavily promote their fake sites through social media ads and posts. Here’s how to detect their tricks on major platforms:
Spotting the Scam on Facebook
Watch for Facebook ads promoting suspicious “70% off clearance sales” or “going out of business deals” at Deichmann. The ad may use language like “limited time only!” to create urgency.
Clicking the ad will likely redirect to a scam website URL instead of deichmann.com. Sometimes the ad claims to link to an official Facebook page, but sends users elsewhere.
Also beware sponsored posts in your feed by shady accounts featuring too-good-to-be-true coupons or promo codes for Deichmann purchases.
Use caution with Facebook posts and Marketplace listings claiming to sell heavily discounted Deichmann products. This “seller” is just a scammer using social media for their con.
Identifying the Fraud on Instagram
Scammers pay influencers on Instagram to promote their fraudulent deals through posts and Stories. The language is designed to entice, for example “Get Deichmann shoes for all the family at 90% off!”
But the link in the bio sends users to the fake site instead of the real Deichmann shop. Sometimes the post captions contain lengthy explanations to justify the unbelievable sales prices.
Also be suspicious of Instagram ads in your feed advertising big Deichmann clearance events, especially if the account name seems random. Again, clicking these ads will redirect to an illegitimate website.
Catching the Hoax on TikTok
On TikTok, scammers create videos where a person advertises huge flash sales on Deichmann products complete with urgency and scarcity tactics. Descriptions will urge viewers to click the link in their bio before the discounted period ends.
Duped influencers may make TikToks showcasing their supposed hauls of Deichmann shoes and clothes they got for 90% off. Links in these posts still go to the same phishing sites.
Use extreme caution with any social media post advertising over the top discounts on Deichmann merchandise. Double check that direct links really go to deichmann.com rather than sham websites. Don’t get lured in by scammers leveraging social platforms.
Now we will outline what steps to take if you have unfortunately fallen victim to one of these fraudulent schemes.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of the Deichmann Clearance Sale Scam
If you placed an order at one of these scam websites and were defrauded, here are important actions to take right away:
Step 1: Contact Your Credit Card Provider
Call your credit card company and inform them you paid for goods that were never delivered. State this was a fraudulent transaction. Request an immediate chargeback to reverse the charges and get your money back.
Act quickly, as many card providers have a time limit on chargeback eligibility. Provide any available order documentation and emails as evidence of the scam.
Step 2: Place Fraud Alerts
Since your personal data is compromised, put a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for the scammers to open new accounts in your name.
Get your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Review them for any signs of identity theft. Renew the fraud alerts every 90 days.
Step 3: Reset Online Account Passwords
If you used the same password anywhere else as you did for the scam site, immediately change it. Update logins for email, banking, social media, and shopping accounts. Use a unique, complex password for each account.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible for an added layer of security.
Step 4: Watch for Suspicious Activity
Carefully monitor bank and credit card statements for any fraudulent charges. Also keep an eye out for any bills or collection notices for purchases you didn’t make.
Mark all scam emails as spam to prevent further phishing attempts. Use antivirus software to detect any malware.
Step 5: Report the Scam Website
To protect others, report the website to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Provide all details about how the scam operates. This helps law enforcement investigate and take legal action.
You can also report the website to the ISP that hosts it. Most reputable providers will remove reported scam sites that violate their terms. The website domain registrar can also potentially suspend the domain.
Step 6: Leave Online Reviews to Warn Others
Post warnings about the scam website on consumer review sites like Trustpilot and SiteJabber. Make the title clear like “Deichmann Clearance Sale SCAM”. Detail the deception practices used.
This helps prevent the scammers from claiming more victims. Other shoppers will see these testimonials and avoid the fraudulent website.
Seek Legal Action If Significant Losses
For high losses exceeding a few thousand dollars, you may need to pursue formal legal remedies. File police reports regarding fraud and identity theft. Consult a lawyer about bringing legal action against the scammers. Legal mechanisms include lawsuits, pressing criminal charges and reporting violations of laws like the Fair Credit Billing Act.
How to Avoid Deichmann Clearance Sale Scams: 5 Tips
Here are crucial tips to protect yourself from these online shopping scams:
1. Only Shop Directly on Deichmann’s Real Website
Go directly to deichmann.com for any purchases. Do not click through any ads, pop-ups or unverified links claiming to be Deichmann. Verify you are on the legitimate domain.
2. Beware Unbelievable Deals
Deichmann will never offer 90% off site-wide or similar outlandish discounts. Desperate buyers make for gullible targets.
3. Research Before Making Big Purchases
Do a quick Google search for any scams about a website before buying. Search for reviews and complaints. A few minutes of research can uncover a scam.
4. Use Credit Cards for Added Protection
Avoid using cash apps, debit cards, cryptocurrency or direct bank transfers online. Credit cards have strong fraud and chargeback protections.
5. Secure Your Devices and Accounts
Use antivirus software and strong unique passwords. Turn on multi-factor authentication. Limit what personal information you share online. Security precautions make fraud more difficult.
Avoiding online scams requires always being vigilant. But taken together, these tips significantly reduce any risks. Shop safely and only through trusted retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deichmann Clearance Sale Scam
Shoppers need to stay vigilant about online shopping scams. Here are answers to the most common questions about fraudulent websites impersonating the Deichmann clearance sale.
What is the Deichmann clearance sale scam?
This scam involves fake ecommerce websites that pretend to be Deichmann, the famous German shoe retailer. These sites advertise huge clearance sales with up to 90% off using deception to lure customers into ordering. Victims either get nothing, cheap knockoffs or used goods, while their personal and payment data is stolen. The scammers are an interconnected fraud network based in China.
How can I identify a fake Deichmann website?
Watch for these red flags:
- Spoofed URLs trying to mimic the real domain.
- Extreme discounts like 90% off all shoes.
- Aggressive sales tactics and countdown timers.
- Lack of contact info beyond an email.
- No social media links or signs of real activity.
- Whois lookup shows anonymous domain registration.
- Site just recently created this year.
- Poor grammar, spelling mistakes.
If multiple issues are present, the site cannot be trusted.
What happens if I order from a scam website?
Most likely your order will never arrive after payment is taken. Or you may receive:
- Cheap counterfeit shoes, not the real product.
- Used, damaged or tampered footwear and clothes.
- A random item that differs entirely from your order.
- In each case, your financial and personal data is stolen and sold.
What should I do if I fall victim to a scam site?
Immediately contact your credit card company to dispute the charges and get reimbursement. Put fraud alerts on your credit reports in case of identity theft. Change passwords on all your online accounts. Watch for suspicious activity in your financial statements. Report the scam website to authorities to help warn others.
How can I avoid these clearance sale scams?
Only order directly from deichmann.com. Research any unknown sites before purchasing. Beware unbelievable discounts that are too good to be true. Never submit payment or personal data to suspicious sites. Use credit cards for added protection against fraud.
Are there real Deichmann sales?
Yes, Deichmann does offer legitimate sales on their website and in physical stores. But they will never claim to be going out of business or offer site-wide discounts of 90% off. Be wary of such over the top promotions on fake sites.
Is it safe to shop at Deichmann?
The official Deichmann website and retail stores are completely safe and trustworthy. The brand has been in business for over 100 years. Only the scam websites impersonating Deichmann pose a risk. Ensure you only shop on deichmann.com.
Conclusion
The supposed Deichmann clearance sale scam demonstrates how ruthless fraudsters prey on trusting shoppers to rob them blind. By mimicking real sites and using social engineering, they convince victims to willingly hand over money and data.
Scam awareness and online vigilance is crucial. Be skeptical of unbelievable discounts. Analyze websites carefully for any red flags. Only make purchases through legitimate verified domains with real contact information. If scammed, act quickly to have fraudulent charges reversed. Report these deceptive sites to help protect other consumers.
Stay alert and avoid letting a good deal cloud your judgment. By following smart online shopping practices, you can steer clear of these schemes and truly get the best prices from real brands you know and love. Don’t let scammers turn your bargain hunt into a disaster.
