DJI is the undisputed leader in easy-to-fly drones and stabilized camera gear. But scammers are exploiting DJI’s trusted name to dupe shoppers through fake clearance sales touting prices slashed over 90% off. This in-depth guide will uncover how these DJI scams work, red flags to watch for, and most vitally, how to shop online safely.
An In-Depth Look at the Fake DJI Clearance Sale Scam
Founded in 2006, DJI pioneered camera drone technology that was once only accessible to film professionals. Today, DJI makes stunning aerial cinematography achievable for everyone through their intuitive quadcopters, gimbals, and unparalleled imaging systems.
But DJI’s hard-earned reputation for innovation has also attracted impersonators seeking to illegally cash in. Fraudsters are building sophisticated fake websites made to look exactly like an authorized DJI dealer.
The scam sites copy DJI’s logo, images, and product lineup to appear as authentic as possible. To trick visitors, they create fake listings claiming DJI’s newest drones like the Mavic 3 or Avata series are on clearance with prices slashed up to 95% off retail.
For example, a $1599 DJI Mavic 3 might be advertised for just $59. Or a $929 DJI Avata Fly More Combo discounted to $55. However, these jaw-dropping deals are only an elaborate ruse to fleece shoppers.
When a customer places an order through the fake sites expecting to receive a deeply discounted DJI drone, harsh reality sets in. They will never receive the actual DJI product pictured. At best, victims get a cheap counterfeit clearly not made by DJI.
More often, excited customers report receiving nothing at all after submitting payment to the scam websites. Even worse, victims gave their credit card and personal information directly to criminals running the sham sites, leaving them vulnerable to frightening threats of identity theft and credit card fraud.
These fraudsters rely on casting an illusion of once-in-a-lifetime savings on coveted DJI gear. Their ads reach potential victims through social media platforms targeting specific demographics. But wise shoppers can protect themselves by learning to scrutinize websites and recognize signs of fraud.
Inside Look: How Criminals Carry Out Fake DJI Sales
Skilled scammers use proven methods to dupe their victims into believing their DJI clearance sales are the real deal. Here’s an inside look at how they execute these fraudulent sales from start to finish:
Step 1: Construct Elaborate Fake DJI Websites
Great efforts are made to have the scam sites appear nearly identical to DJI’s official website. The logos, fonts, colors, and overall design closely imitates the real DJI store.
The site will showcase DJI’s full product selection including drones, handheld stabilizers, FPV goggles, camera gear and accessories. Product descriptions, specs, tutorials, manuals, and software are all ripped off directly from dji.com to populate the fake store.
High-resolution product and lifestyle images are likewise stolen from DJI’s official website and catalogs. Every detail is meticulously designed to look just like the authentic DJI shopping experience.
Step 2: Promote Fake DJI Sales On Social Media
Once built, the fraudsters concentrate on funneling traffic to their scam sites through social media promotions. Compelling Facebook and Instagram ads tout the fictional blowout DJI sales.
When users click on an ad luring them in with too-good-to-be-true discounts, they get redirected straight to the fake store to checkout. The social promotion adds credibility that the “sale” is legitimate.
Step 3: Fool Shoppers Using Deceptive Discounts
On the fraudulent site, DJI drones and accessories are displayed with prices slashed over 90% off MSRP. For instance, a $1000 DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone bundle could be discounted to just $59.
Countdown timers pressure visitors to quickly add items to their cart before these unbelievable deals supposedly expire. In reality, there is no actual limited-time sale.
Step 4: Gather Customers’ Payment and Personal Information
At checkout, the sites require entering sensitive data including full name, address, phone number, email address, and credit card information. All this intel goes directly to the scammers.
With customers’ financial details and personally identifying information, these criminals can easily commit credit card fraud or identity theft using your good name.
Step 5: Never Ship Promised Products
Once scam sites collect payment info, no DJI drones or products ever get shipped to waiting victims. Some report never even receiving order confirmations after checkout.
Any shipment tracking numbers sent are fake. By the time shoppers realize it’s a scam, it’s too late – the crooks already stole their money and personal data. Learning common red flags helps avoid this outcome.
6 Clear Warning Signs of a Fraudulent DJI Reseller
While scam websites may look surprisingly realistic at first glance, their fraudulent nature emerges upon closer inspection. Watch for these tell-tale indicators:
- Unbelievable Pricing – Authentic DJI products won’t be 90% off or $59. Ridiculously cheap prices are a scam giveaway.
- No Real Contact Information – No working customer service phone number or verifiable physical address provided.
- No SSL Security – Lack of “https” and the lock icon means the site is unsafe for entering payment information.
- No Real User Reviews – All positive reviews are fabricated. Authentic retailers encourage genuine customer feedback.
- Grammatical Errors – Poor writing and typos expose scam sites created quickly by non-native English speakers.
- High Pressure Tactics – Countdown timers, limited stock claims, and urgent language pressure hasty purchases. Don’t fall for it.
Only buy directly from the Official DJI Store or authorized top retailers like Amazon, B&H Photo, Best Buy with full buyer protections.
How to Spot Fake DJI Deals on Social Media
In addition to fraudulent websites, scammers heavily leverage social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to promote their sham DJI sales and lure in victims. Here’s what to watch out for on each platform:
Catching DJI Scams on Facebook
- Watch for Facebook ads touting unbelievable discounts like 95% off DJI drones or $59 Mavic 3s. Real sellers won’t offer prices that unrealistic.
- Reverse image search any product photos used. Scammers typically steal imagery directly from DJI’s website and ads. Matching results expose the scam.
- Click on the Page name running the ads. Verify they have DJI’s official blue verification checkmark. Lack of verification indicates an imposter.
- Check for mentions of the Page being a scam in reviews and comments. Use caution if other users report never receiving items ordered.
- Research the Page history for sudden name changes. Fraud pages frequently switch names once exposed to avoid detection.
How to Identify Fake DJI Deals on Instagram
- Look out for Instagram ads promoting DJI drones at absurdly cheap prices like $1000 Mavic 3 for $59. That’s a huge red flag for a scam.
- Reverse image search product photos used in Instagram posts. Scammers often steal shots directly from DJI’s Instagram page.
- Check user reviews on the seller’s profile. Lack of reviews or mentions of orders never arriving should raise major alarms.
- Click through the seller’s location tag. Scam accounts use vague locations instead of actual store addresses.
- Beware influencers promoting unbelievable DJI deals in sponsored posts. They may have been paid by scammers to bait victims.
Avoiding DJI Scams on TikTok
- Search for the product and analyze shoppable video reviews promoting it. Generic videos with stock footage indicate a scam seller.
- Engage cautiously with high performing videos. Scammers pay for fake views, likes and comments to boost perceived credibility.
- Reverse image search product photos used in posts. Matching results point to stolen media, not unique products.
- Vet sellers making wild claims like $1000 drones discounted to $59. Search for evidence of past scamming activities.
- Watch for urgent captions like “Selling out fast!” or “Today Only!”. Scammers use false scarcity claims to create rushed purchases.
Carefully vetting seller legitimacy on social channels provides important protection. Spotting the warning signs keeps your wallet and identity secure.
What To Do If You Are Scammed by a Fake DJI Website
If you made the mistake of placing an order on a scam website impersonating DJI and received nothing or a cheap knockoff, act swiftly:
- Contact your credit card provider immediately – Report the charge as fraudulent to initiate a chargeback and get your money returned. Move quickly as chargeback rights expire.
- Closely monitor bank and credit statements – Watch for any additional unauthorized charges from crooks who stole your financial data and report them ASAP.
- Change passwords – Update passwords anywhere that you reused the same password as the scam site. Use strong unique passwords for every account.
- Freeze credit – Contact all three credit bureaus to implement a credit freeze preventing scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
- Check credit reports – Order free annual credit reports and scrutinize for any signs of fraudulent accounts or activity. Report any suspicious findings immediately.
- Submit details on fake sites – Reporting scams to the FTC, BBB, and DJI helps get fraudulent sites taken down to prevent further victims.
Quick action is essential for maximizing chances of recovering lost funds and mitigating damages from stolen personal information used for identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraudulent DJI Sales
DJI makes stunning aerial footage achievable for recreational users through their easy-to-fly drones and stabilized cameras. Unfortunately, scammers are exploiting DJI’s reputation through elaborate fake clearance sales online designed to rip people off. This FAQ covers key questions about how to spot and avoid these DJI scams.
What exactly is the DJI clearance scam?
Fraudsters create fake ecommerce websites impersonating an authorized DJI dealer. They lure in shoppers with unrealistic discounts like 95% off to steal credit card and personal information as well as money from victims who place orders.
How can I recognize a fake DJI website?
Watch for excessively low prices, stock photos, recent domain registrations, lack of real contact info, missing SSL, grammatical errors, urgency tactics, and inability to find a verifiable physical address. These are clear scam site red flags.
Why are DJI products on these sites so cheap?
The deeply discounted prices like $1500 drones for $59 are fabricated to hook bargain seekers. No legitimate retailer offers anywhere near 90% off authentic DJI gear. The low prices are a deception tactic.
Will I get real DJI products if I order from these sites?
Absolutely not. The scam sites have no relationship with DJI. Customers either eventually receive inferior knockoffs or random, unrelated items. Many report getting nothing after payment.
Is it safe to enter my information on these sites?
Never enter your personal or payment data on questionable sites. The sites exist solely to obtain your information for financial fraud and identity theft. Only shop trusted, authorized retailers.
How can I get a refund if I’m scammed?
Getting a refund is very difficult since the retailers are fake. Immediately contact your credit card company to dispute the charges as fraudulent and request a chargeback. This is the best chance for returned money.
Where can I report a fake website?
Report scam sites to the FTC, BBB, IC3, and DJI to get fraudulent sites removed and prevent further victimization. Provide as many details as possible to assist investigations.
Should I trust DJI deals on Instagram or Facebook?
Use extreme caution with social media deals from unknown sellers. Thoroughly vet any site you are directed to and look for multiple scam indicators before purchasing. Avoid unrealistic discounts.
How can I safely buy discounted DJI products?
Only order directly from DJI’s official website or authorized major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo with buyer protections. Carefully research unfamiliar sellers and watch for scam red flags before providing payment info.
Using vigilance and common sense helps avoid falling victim to fake DJI websites running clearance scams. If an offer looks too good to be true, it should set off alarm bells. Protect yourself by only shopping trusted sites.
The Bottom Line
DJI makes professional-level drones and stabilized cameras accessible for recreational users. This success has captured the attention of scammers impersonating DJI through fake websites touting clearance sales with unrealistic discounts up to 90% off retail prices.
However, these sites have absolutely no relationship with DJI. They are complete shams designed solely to steal credit card and personal data from duped shoppers lured in by deals too good to be true. No legitimate retailer offers brand new DJI drones priced at $59.
Savvy shoppers can protect themselves by learning to research websites and watch for signs of fraud before attempting to score deals online. Only purchase directly from DJI’s official website or authorized top retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo with full buyer protections.
By scrutinizing sellers and offers carefully rather than jumping on deals based on emotions, consumers can safely enjoy real DJI promotions without falling prey to convincing clearance sale scams. Your vigilance will keep your identity and wallet protected.
