Foot Locker’s reputation for quality athletic apparel is being exploited by scam websites promoting fake clearance sales. Through paid social media ads, these sites lure shoppers with tempting “90% off” offers. But victims end up empty-handed after purchasing from the fraudulent outlets impersonating Foot Locker. The sophisticated scammers mimic legitimate websites to hook victims seeking bargains. Learn how to identify the warning signs so you don’t get hustled by unbelievable deals falsely claiming Foot Locker affiliation.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth examination of how this Foot Locker outlet scam operates, including an overview of common tricks used by the scammers, a step-by-step look at their process, advice for victims, and an analysis of why this scam has been so successful.
Overview of the Foot Locker Outlet Clearance Sale 90% Off Scam
The Foot Locker Outlet Clearance Sale 90% Off scam has been heavily promoted on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok through paid ads. The ads feature images of desirable sneakers and athletic apparel, often using Foot Locker’s official logo and branding.
Unsuspecting victims click on these ads and are led to convincing but fraudulent Foot Locker outlet websites. The sites appear legitimate at first glance, using Foot Locker’s trademarked logos, fonts, and color schemes. However, upon closer inspection, there are a number of red flags that indicate these sites are scams.
Once victims are lured in by promises of 90% off deals, they end up purchasing heavily discounted items for prices typically ranging from $29 to $49. After completing their purchase, victims discover they have been scammed in one of two ways:
- They never receive any products at all.
- They receive low-quality products that are vastly inferior to what was advertised online. In some cases, victims receive unrelated items like cheap pairs of sunglasses or plastic bracelets.
This scam costs victims not just money, but immense frustration upon realizing they will likely never get the products they ordered or a refund. The fake websites are specifically designed to prevent victims from being able to contact the scammers behind them.
How the Fake Foot Locker Outlet Websites Operate
The individuals behind this scam put a great deal of effort into making their fake Foot Locker outlets appear as legitimate and convincing as possible. They exploit the brand recognition and trust placed in Foot Locker to lure unsuspecting shoppers into purchasing from their fraudulent sites.
Here is an overview of how the scam works and tactics used by the scammers:
Creating Realistic But Fake Websites
The scammers begin by registering domain names that include some variation of the Foot Locker name and brand identifiers. Common examples include:
- footlockeroutlet.com
- footlockerclearance.com
- officialfootlockeroutlet.com
- footlockeroutletstore.com
The websites are designed to heavily leverage Foot Locker’s branding, using the same colors, logos, and fonts as real Foot Locker sites. To victims, the sites appear professional and legitimate at first glance.
Product listings are ripped off from real Foot Locker websites and catalogs. The scammers use stolen copyrighted images and product descriptions, another tactic that makes the outlets seem real.
Promoting Through Paid Ads on Social Media
Once the fake Foot Locker websites are ready, the scammers create paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to drive traffic to their pages.
The ads typically use attention-grabbing headlines like “Foot Locker Outlet Sale: 90% Off” and “Going out of Business Sale.” Images show sought-after shoes and apparel marked down at unbelievable prices.
When users click on these ads, they are sent directly to the scam outlet websites. The goal is to quickly funnel victims in so they make impulse purchases before recognizing the sites are fraudulent.
Offering Extreme Discounts of Up to 90% Off
One of the key strategies used to hook victims is promoting discounts of up to 90% off on the fake Foot Locker outlets. Prices on products typically range from $29 to $49.
These extreme discounts are difficult for bargain hunters to resist. However, they should be major red flags, as legitimate brands rarely ever offer discounts this high, especially on newly released and in-demand products.
Making Products Appear In-Stock and Ready to Ship
To boost conversion rates, the fake Foot Locker outlets are designed to make it seem like products are in-stock and ready to ship immediately. Victims are not made aware that their orders may never actually be fulfilled.
Some sites go as far as having countdown timers that claim limited quantities are left. This places pressure on shoppers to quickly checkout before the deals expire.
Requiring Payment by Credit or Debit Card Only
The scam Foot Locker websites only accept payments through credit or debit cards. Options like PayPal which offer buyer protection are noticeably absent.
This ensures victims have a harder time getting refunds once they learn they have been scammed. Victims are often entirely at the mercy of their credit card company’s fraud policies when trying to dispute the charges.
Providing Fake Contact Information
While the websites list physical addresses and customer service phone numbers, they are completely falsified and useless. Victims have no way to actually contact the scammers behind the sites.
Any emails sent to the provided contact addresses go unanswered. This lack of responsiveness continues once victims realize they have been scammed and attempt to get updates on their order statuses.
By making themselves impossible to reach, the scammers are able to take victims’ money without having to provide any customer service.
How the Fake Foot Locker Outlet Sale Scam Works
Now that we have covered the general tactics used by the scammers, let’s look at the step-by-step process of how a victim may fall for the fake Foot Locker outlet scam:
Step 1: The Victim Sees a Social Media Ad for the Fake Website
The scam starts with a victim coming across an advertisement on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or other platforms promoting a Foot Locker outlet clearance sale.
The ad contains misleading claims like “Up to 90% Off Foot Locker Outlet” and “Going Out of Business Sale.” The featured products in the images look like great deals.
Step 2: The Victim Visits the Fake Website
Intrigued by the promotions and huge discounts, the victim clicks on the ad’s link which directs them straight to the scam Foot Locker outlet website.
At first glance, the website has all the expected Foot Locker branding and navigation. The incredible discounts are prominently highlighted. To the average visitor, it looks like a real Foot Locker affiliated website.
Step 3: The Victim Browses the Website Products
The victim starts browsing through the website’s product listings, which have been stolen from the real Foot Locker catalog and sites.
The products appear to be legitimately in-stock Foot Locker sneakers and apparel. However, it’s impossible to verify this without purchasing.
Step 4: The Victim Adds Items to Their Cart
After reviewing the items for sale, the victim gets excited about the prospect of 90% off real Foot Locker products. They pick out a few items that are listed at ~$40 each, adding them to their cart.
With discounts this high, they justify splurging on more products than they normally would at full retail price.
Step 5: The Victim Purchases the Items
Once ready to checkout, the victim enters their shipping details and credit card number, placing the order.
The site provides no indicators that it is fraudulent. The victim completes the purchase under the false impression they have scored a windfall of cheap Foot Locker gear.
Step 6: The Victim Receives no Order Confirmation
Unlike legitimate retailers, the victim never receives an order confirmation with shipping and tracking information.
At first, they assume the confirmation email must have ended up in their spam folder or got lost in transit somehow.
Step 7: No Products Arrive As Expected
Weeks go by without the victim receiving their package. They try to contact the site about their order status but get no replies.
At this point, it dawns on them that they likely got scammed and will not be receiving what they paid for.
Step 8: The Victim Tries to Get Their Money Back
The victim contacts their credit card company to report the fraud and request a chargeback. However, the credit card company often struggles to assist since the charges appear valid.
Unless the credit card has strong fraud protection, the victim is likely completely out the money spent on the scam orders.
This is the frustrating process many victims of the fake Foot Locker outlet scam go through. In most cases, they end up losing their money without any way to hold the scammers accountable.
Identifying Fake Foot Locker Websites: Warning Signs and Red Flags
The sophisticated scammers behind the fake Foot Locker outlet scam put tremendous effort into making their fraudulent websites appear legitimate. However, there are several common red flags that can help identify the Foot Locker outlets as being scams if you know what to look for.
Being able to recognize these signs can prevent you from being hustled when searching for real deals and discounts. Here are the top warning signs indicating a Foot Locker website is likely a scam operation:
Recently Registered Domain Names
One clear indicator is when the website has a domain name that was registered only within the past few months or year. Genuine businesses typically have domains that were registered several years ago at minimum.
You can verify this through online WHOIS domain lookup tools that provide registration dates. Examples of suspicious new domains seen include “footlockeroutletstore.net” and “footlockerdiscount.com”.
Legitimate Foot Locker sites have domains registered over a decade ago. Newly registered copycat domains should be immediate red flags.
Missing or Fake Contact Information
Genuine retailers provide multiple ways for customers to contact them, such as live phone and email support. Scam sites typically only provide an email address, if anything at all.
Any phone numbers on the site will likely be non-functional or not associated with the company. Physical addresses tend to either not exist or point to unrelated locations.
If the contact details are all fake, it’s a giveaway something shady is going on. Don’t trust any site that appears to be dodging accountability.
Extreme Discounts of Over 50% Off
When you see current merchandise like new sneaker releases discounted 50% to 90% off, it should strain credibility. Legitimate retailers rarely offer discounts this high, especially on in-demand products.
If the prices seem far below wholesale costs, it’s likely a scam using extreme discounts to bait victims. Limited-time countdowns create fake urgency.
Content and Images Appear Stolen
Another giveaway is if product listings seem outright copied from the real Foot Locker site. You may notice identical selections, odd watermarks on images, or product descriptions with the official Foot Locker branding left in.
Scammers steal content since it’s easier than creating an entire catalog themselves. If something seems blatantly plagiarized, tread carefully.
Urgent Slogans and Messaging
Scam sites often have taglines meant to create haste like “Going out of business!”, “Clearance sale – limited time,” and “Closing forever!” Real retailers are far less dramatic.
If something pressures you to act fast, it could be to prevent you from closer inspection. Be wary of high-pressure messaging.
Templated Design and Setup
While scam sites mimic real branding initially, the templates used under the surface tend to be more generic. Look for flaws like wonky site organization, inconsistency, and lack of unique details that genuine brand sites have.
If it feels more like a standard slapped together template, it was likely easy and cheap for scammers to mock up.
Carefully looking for these warning signs when visiting new ecommerce sites can help identify scam Foot Locker outlets before you make the mistake of ordering from them. Trust your gut if something feels off – it’s better to miss out on a deal than hand money to criminals.
How to Identify Fake Foot Locker Ads on Social Media
In addition to the fraudulent websites, a big component of this scam involves paid ads run on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to drive traffic to the fake Foot Locker outlets. Learning how to spot the signs of these fake social media ads can help prevent you from getting duped.
On Facebook, be suspicious of:
- Ads for Foot Locker with “Official” or “Official Outlet” in page name – Foot Locker’s real FB pages don’t say this
- Prices too good to be true – like 90% off or $25 for a $250 item
- Urgent messaging about sales ending soon
- Pages recently created instead of verified longstanding pages
- Links go to shady or unofficial domains – not footlocker.com
- Comment sections turned off to avoid skepticism
Watch for these red flags:
- Accounts with “Official” or “Outlet” in handles that are NOT the real @footlocker account
- Comments disabled or not showing engagement one would expect
- Tempting “blowout sale” or “going out of business” language
- Products in photos not matching what is described or priced
- Links in bios going to sketchy domains – not the real footlocker.com site
TikTok
Look out for:
- Promotions for clearance sales over 90% off
- Short videos with urgent captions to act fast
- Accounts impersonating Foot Locker’s verified @footlocker account
- Links in bios to unofficial domain names
- Comment sections turned off
- Video clips taken from Foot Locker’s official TikTok account
The bottom line is you should always click through to evaluate the destination site being promoted in social ads. If something feels like an unauthorized imitation, proceed with extreme caution and verify legitimacy through research before making purchases or handing over personal information. Trust your instincts.
What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim to This Scam
If you unfortunately fell for the Foot Locker outlet scam and made purchases on one of the fake websites, here are some steps you should take right away:
Step 1: Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company
Immediately reach out to your bank or credit card company, explain you believe you were defrauded, and request they reverse the charges and issue a new card number.
Provide details like the website you purchased from and explain that the operator appears to be committing systematic fraud. Ask for written confirmation regarding their policies on fraud chargebacks.
Step 2: Gather All Evidence Related to Your Order
Collect any emails, receipts, screenshots, ad images, website pages, tracking numbers, and other evidence related to your purchase.
Having documentation strengthening your fraud claim will help in your credit card dispute. Print and save digital files in case they get deleted later.
Step 3: File a Complaint with the FTC
Report the Foot Locker scam website to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by submitting an online complaint.
Provide them with both the fraudulent website domain and any contact information you have. The more reports there are, the more likely authorities will pursue investigative action.
Step 4: Check If Others Have Been Scammed
Search online to see if the website you ordered from has scammed anyone else. Look for consumer complaints on sites like TrustPilot and RipOffReport.
You may be able to band together other victims to file a joint lawsuit or class action claim against the scammers down the line.
Step 5: Leave Online Reviews to Warn Others
Leave negative reviews about your experience ordering from the fraudulent Foot Locker website on any site possible. Post on their Facebook ads and websites like SiteJabber.
This may prevent others from becoming new victims. Make sure to include specifics about how the scam operates so consumers know what warning signs to look for.
Step 6: Monitor Your Credit Report
Keep an eye out for any signs of potential identity theft stemming from this scam. Unfamiliar accounts or credit checks could indicate your personal information was compromised.
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze as a precautionary measure until the scam operators are identified and shut down. Checking your credit reports frequently allows you to address any suspicious activity.
While getting scammed can be extremely frustrating, taking these steps immediately gives you the best chance of reversing the charges and protecting your finances. Do not let embarrassment or inaction prevent you from reporting the fraud.
Hopefully authorities will be able to eventually identify the scammers and prevent further consumers from falling victim. But consumers also need to exercise caution and skepticism when encountering deals online that seem too good to be true.
Why This Scam Has Been So Successful
The fake Foot Locker outlet scam has unfortunately been wildly successful, resulting in huge numbers of victims being defrauded out of their money. Here are some of the key reasons it has worked so well:
Strong Brand Recognition of Foot Locker
Foot Locker is one of the most established and recognizable athletic wear and shoe brands. Consumers implicitly trust anything that appears to be affiliated with Foot Locker’s name and imagery.
This existing brand trust and familiarity make it much easier for the scammers to create convincing fake websites. Victims don’t suspect they are being misled.
General Lack of Online Purchase Protections
Shopping from traditional retailers online typically offers protections like guaranteed refunds, fraud monitoring, and ability to contact customer service.
However, the scam Foot Locker sites exploit the lack of protections when buying from unknown, shady merchants online. Victims have no recourse.
Exclusive Reliance on Credit/Debit Payments
By only accepting credit card and debit payments, victims cannot get their money back through PayPal buyer protection or similar services.
Banks often struggle to assist with debit charges. The scammers know this limits victims’ options.
Fake Physical Addresses and Contact Info
Listing fake physical addresses and non-working contact numbers ensures victims cannot reach real humans behind the scam.
With no actual customer support, complaints go into a black hole. This prevents accountability.
Targeting Bargain Hunters on Social Media
Running ads offering extreme discounts preys upon deal-seeking behavior. The ads are instantly enticing for the demographics they target.
Had the scam ads promoted items at full retail price, far fewer would have clicked on the bait. But the lure of 90% off is extremely powerful.
Strong Incentives for Big Volume of Sales
Since the scam requires very little overhead beyond initial website creation, each additional sale adds almost pure profit.
This incentive drives aggressive promotion to increase volumes. Even low conversion rates turn highly profitable given the huge margins.
By better understanding the psychological and procedural tactics used in this scam, consumers can be aware of the warning signs to avoid being victimized. It also highlights the need for added consumer protections when shopping online.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fake Foot Locker Outlet Scam
1. How does the fake Foot Locker outlet scam work?
The scam begins with fake Foot Locker websites promoted through social media ads offering clearance sales of up to 90% off. However, when victims purchase products, they either receive low-quality items or nothing at all.
The sophisticated scam creates convincing fake Foot Locker outlets by:
- Registering domains with the Foot Locker name (footlockeroutlet.com, footlockerclearance.com, etc.)
- Copying the authentic Foot Locker branding, logos, images, and content
- Promoting heavily discounted deals through Facebook/Instagram/TikTok ads
- Only accepting credit cards for easy charges that are hard to reverse
- Providing fake contact and location details to avoid accountability
After checkout, victims receive no order confirmations or shipping details. The scammers take your money and never ship anything out.
2. What are some telltale signs of a fake Foot Locker website?
Red flags include:
- Domain registered very recently
- Limited contact details – email only, no real phone/address
- Discounts over 50-90% off on latest products
- Countdown timers or “Limited time deal” creating fake urgency
- Reviews seem suspiciously all positive or non-existent
- Images may be watermarked as belonging to Foot Locker
- Payment via credit/debit only, no alternate options
If uncertain, verify the site through tools like WhoIs domain lookup and scam detection platforms.
3. What happens if you bought from a fake Foot Locker website?
If you purchased from a scam site, immediately contact your bank/credit card company to report fraud charges. Provide all documentation related to the orders – confirmation emails, screenshots, etc.
File complaints with the FTC and your state attorney general. Leave online reviews warning others wherever possible. Monitor your credit report for any suspicious activity as well.
4. How can you avoid falling for the Foot Locker outlet scam?
The best way to avoid this scam is through healthy skepticism:
- Verify unfamiliar sites through WHOIS and scam checking tools
- Research the domain through search engines and reviews
- Never trust ads with “too good to be true” discounts
- Check site contact details – phone/address should be real
- Avoid new sites without much web history or reviews
- Beware limited payment options (credit cards only)
- Don’t feel rushed by countdown timers or “limited time” claims
When exploring unfamiliar ecommerce sites, thoroughly vet their reputation before making any purchases.
5. Why does this scam succeed in fooling so many victims?
This scam succeeds by exploiting:
- Strong brand recognition and trust in Foot Locker
- General lack of protections when shopping on shady unknown sites
- Deals too enticing for bargain hunters to resist
- Fake locations/contacts to prevent accountability
- Targeting shoppers through hyper-focused social media ads
- Huge profit margins with little overhead beyond website creation
It’s easy money for scammers. But remembering if it seems too good to be true, it probably is helps avoid being manipulated.
6. How can Foot Locker stop scammers from using their brand?
Foot Locker can combat this by:
- Trademarking their name and branding to enable legal action
- Monitoring for fake outlets and reporting their domains
- Issuing cease & desist notices to scammers
- Running education campaigns warning about scam risks
- Lobbying for stronger laws protecting consumers from fraud
Consumers should also report fake sites to help Foot Locker take legal action.
7. What steps should you take if scammed?
If you are a victim:
- Contact your credit card company/bank immediately
- Gather all evidence related to the order
- File complaints with the FTC and state attorney general
- Research online to find other victims
- Leave reviews to warn potential victims
- Monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity
Acting quickly gives you the best chance of reversing damages from the scam.
The Bottom Line on the Fake Foot Locker Outlet Scam
The scam involving fraudulent Foot Locker outlet websites advertising huge clearance discounts has ensnared a staggering number of unsuspecting victims. Lured in by the brand recognition of Foot Locker and promises of 90% off deals, customers end up spending money on orders that are never fulfilled.
These sophisticated scam operations dedicate tremendous effort to appearing as legitimate retailers. They exploit the vulnerabilities shoppers face buying from shady unknown sites online that offer no protections or accountability.
Once the scammers have victims’ credit card information, they simply take the money and provide zero customer service. Victims rarely get any satisfaction from trying to reverse the charges through their bank.
Consumers must be far more vigilant about verifying the legitimacy of unfamiliar ecommerce sites before placing orders. Warning signs like prices that are too good to be true, missing contact info, and brand impersonation point to likely fraud. If you do fall victim, act swiftly to notifyrelevant authorities and financial institutions.
The Foot Locker scam will likely continue popping up in new forms until stricter enforcement and protections are put in place. But the best defense starts with public awareness and exercising caution to avoid being manipulated by increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. Don’t let excitement over bargain prices cloud your judgment – if it seems fake, it very well may be.
