Boston Scally hats and caps are incredibly popular items, known for their high-quality materials and stylish designs. Unfortunately, scammers have taken notice and are running fake Boston Scally sales online to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. This article will uncover the details of this scam, explain how it works, and provide tips on how to avoid falling victim.
Scam Overview
In recent weeks, ads have been popping up on social media for Boston Scally sales offering items for up to 90% off. The ads promote “New Year”, “Christmas” “closing down” or “warehouse” sales with Boston Scally products supposedly marked down to just $5-8.
However, this is a scam. Boston Scally is not running any such promotion. The ads link to fake websites designed to look like the real Boston Scally site, but with unbelievably low prices.
If you purchase from one of these scam sites, you will either receive a low-quality product, not receive anything at all, or have your personal and payment information stolen. The scam pages also contain plagiarized content and images stolen from the real Boston Scally website.
This scam takes advantage of the popularity and reputation of the Boston Scally brand. By making fake sites appear to be authorized sellers, the scammers fool customers into thinking they’re getting an amazing deal. In reality, any 90% off Boston Scally sale is too good to be true.
How the Scam Spreads
The ads for the fake sales are circulated on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using sponsored posts or fake accounts. They target Boston Scally fans and broader interest categories like mens fashion or accessories.
The ads use enticing slogans like “Warehouse Sale,” “Store Closing Sale,” or “Holiday Blowout” to lure people in. But the scam sites have no relation to Boston Scally – they just steal the branding to appear legitimate.
Once victims click on an ad, they are taken to a scam website designed to mimic the look and feel of the real Boston Scally site. But a closer look reveals red flags like prices that are far too low and lack of valid company information.
Who’s Behind the Scam
These fake Boston Scally sales are likely being run by offshore scam groups attempting to capitalize on the popularity of the brand. They create lookalike websites, buy social media ads, and bank on enough people falling for the deals to turn a profit.
The actual individuals behind the scam remain anonymous, as the sites provide no valid contact details or company information. The scam websites are often hosted overseas, use privacy services to mask domain ownership, and provide only dubious email addresses for contact.
This lack of transparency makes it almost impossible for victims to pursue recourse. The scammers cover their tracks so they can continue running the same scheme indefinitely.
How the Boston Scally Sale Scam Works
The scammers running this scam have devised a well-oiled strategy to dupe shoppers into thinking they’re getting an unbelievable steal. Here is exactly how the scam operates at each step:
Bait: Fake Social Media Ads
The first component of the scam is bait in the form of social media ads promoting a fake 90% off Boston Scally sale. The ads target those who may have an interest in Boston Scally products with tailored demographics.
The ads tout the sale using enticing slogans and eye-catching graphics featuring Boston Scally product imagery. Some examples include “Boston Scally Warehouse Clearance Sale,” “90% Off All Items,” and “Store Closing Sale – All Items $5.”
These posts are designed to stop scrollers in their tracks with an unbelievable deal that feeds on FOMO. The goal is to get social media users to click through to the scam site.
Hook: Lookalike Website
Once users click on one of the ads, they are taken to a fake Boston Scally website that appears nearly identical to the real deal at first glance. The scam sites closely mimic the look and feel of the legitimate Boston Scally site with a similar logo, products, images, and branding.
Everything from the product names, photos, and descriptions are ripped off from the real Boston Scally site. However, a close inspection reveals many red flags:
- Prices far below retail value (around $5-10 per item)
- Lack of valid company information or contact details
- Grammar errors and typos
- Reviews that seem fake or copied
- Images with watermarks cropped out
- No links to social media accounts
The scam websites are designed just legitimate enough to trick unsuspecting victims into thinking they’ve landed on the real Boston Scally store.
Reel-In: Make a Purchase
Once on the fake site, users are encouraged to take advantage of the sale prices and make a purchase. The scam websites feature familiar Boston Scally products like caps and accessories, all listed at 90-95% off retail prices.
For example, a Boston Scally cap that normally costs $40-60 is shown at just $6. This feeds into the urgency of a limited-time sale ending soon to incentivize immediate purchase.
The scam sites accept various payment methods like credit cards and Paypal to appear fully operational online stores. However, some only offer shady options like direct bank transfer.
Victims who purchase during the “sale” are likely to feel satisfied snagging popular products at impossibly low prices. But unfortunately, the experience soon sours…
The Letdown: No Product & Stolen Data
Shortly after making a purchase from the fake sites, customers experience one of two unpleasant outcomes:
- No product ever ships out. The customer receives empty promises in the form of fake tracking numbers, but the order never arrives.
- A low-quality item does ship, but it’s nothing like the real Boston Scally products advertised. For example, a cheap bracelet or pair of sunglasses may arrive instead of the purchased cap or shirt.
Either way, the victim ends up disappointed without the Boston Scally products they paid for and expected to receive. Even worse, some find their credit card or Paypal data was stolen and used for other fraudulent activity.
The fake sites shut down without warning, making it impossible for the victim to get their money back or contact the scammers.
How to Identify Fake Boston Scally Websites
Scammers create elaborate fake Boston Scally websites in an attempt to dupe shoppers. However, upon closer inspection these fraudulent sites have many red flags that give them away. Here are the top signs to watch for:
Prices That Are Too Good to Be True
Genuine Boston Scally products retail for $40-$60 normally. Scam sites advertise prices like $5 caps and 90%+ discounts. These unrealistic prices are a clear giveaway. Boston Scally does not offer such extreme sales.
Recently Created Domains
Run a domain lookup. Fake sites often use new domains registered just weeks or months ago. The real BostonScally.com has been around for years.
Lack of Valid Contact Information
Scam sites only provide email addresses or fake phone numbers and addresses. Boston Scally’s real website has a company phone number, email, physical address, and contact form.
Plagiarized Content and Images
Scammers steal product info, photos, and other content from BostonScally.com. Images may be blurred or have watermarks cropped out. This unoriginal content indicates a fraud.
Enticing But Suspicious Slogans
Watch for phrases like “Going out of business,” “Warehouse clearance,” “Limited time sale,” and other dubious slogans used to create false urgency.
Poor Spelling and Grammar
Scam sites contain many typos, grammar errors, and other problems in the product descriptions. The legitimate Boston Scally site does not.
No Social Media Links
Boston Scally prominently displays links to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other verified social profiles. Scams won’t link to these or will link to fake profiles.
Double checking for these red flags can help consumers steer clear of fake Boston Scally websites that are part of this pervasive scam. When in doubt, authenticate sites before making purchases. Signs like unbelievable prices and plagiarized content mean it is almost certainly a fraud.
Spotting Fake Boston Scally Social Media Ads
In addition to scam websites, fraudsters also run fake Boston Scally ads and accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Learn to recognize the signs:
Watch for Facebook ads with:
- Prices too good to be true like “All items $5”
- Suspicious slogans like “Warehouse sale” or “Going out of business”
- Images stolen from BostonScally.com or blurry/edited
- Links to scam sites instead of the official BostonScally.com
- Comments from users exposing the ad as a scam
Fake Instagram posts often:
- Use handles unrelated to @BostonScally
- Have low follower counts and no interactions
- Promote prices like 90% off or $5 caps
- Use enticing captions like “Today Only Sale!”
- Tag locations like “Boston Scally Warehouse” that don’t exist
- Link to scam websites in bios
TikTok
Deceptive TikTok videos may:
- Promote huge discounts in on-screen text
- Use #bostonscally hashtag but no official account tagged
- Have creators act excited about sales in fake testimonials
- Have limited views, likes, or comments
- Link to scam sites in bios
Scrutinize social media ads, prices that seem unrealistic, and sketchy accounts. Stick to the official Boston Scally profiles for legitimate promotions and sales.
Staying Safe from the Boston Scally Scam
While these scams are clever and convincing, there are ways to identify and avoid the fake Boston Scally sale ads:
Warning Signs of a Scam
- Prices too good to be true (90%+ off)
- Stock photos instead of product images
- Typos, grammatical errors
- Address does not match official company info
- Only email contact option
- Privacy-protected domain registration
Safeguarding Yourself
- Verify site is real Boston Scally before purchasing
- Search online for reviews and complaints
- Use a credit card when shopping online for fraud protection
- Don’t share personal or payment info on suspicious sites
- If scammed, contact bank or payment provider immediately to freeze accounts
Reporting Fake Sites
- Notify Boston Scally: Send emails to info@bostonscally.com to report scam sites
- Report fake social media ads to ad networks like Facebook or Instagram
- File complaints with the FTC and IC3
- Leave comments to warn others about scam websites
Only Buy Directly from Boston Scally
To guarantee you receive genuine Boston Scally products:
- Shop at the official website BostonScally.com
- Only purchase from authorized online retailers like Amazon
- Check for verified social media accounts like Instagram and Facebook
Purchasing directly from Boston Scally, either through their site or authorized retailers, is the only way to avoid these scams.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fake Boston Scally Sale Scam
1. What is the Boston Scally 90% off scam?
The Boston Scally 90% off scam is a fraud where scammers create fake websites and social media ads promoting huge “closing down” or “warehouse” sales on Boston Scally products at up to 90% off. However, Boston Scally is not running any such sale. The heavily discounted prices are meant to entice victims to purchase from the fake sites, only to receive nothing in return or low-quality items.
2. How can I identify a fake Boston Scally website?
Fake Boston Scally websites have extremely low prices like $5 caps, stolen images and product info, and no valid company details. Look for red flags like prices too good to be true, grammar/spelling errors, lack of company address, and contact forms as the only way to reach them. Real Boston Scally websites have official branding, valid company info, reasonable prices, and multiple contact methods.
3. Are the Boston Scally ads on Facebook and Instagram real?
Some ads on social media promoting huge Boston Scally sales are fake. Check that the site the ad links to matches the real website BostonScally.com. Fake ads often say “store closing sale” or tout prices like 90% off. Call out the account to Facebook/Instagram if running fake promotions.
4. What happens if I buy from a fake Boston Scally website?
If you purchase from a scam Boston Scally site, you’ll likely never receive anything. Or you may receive a cheap, low-quality item not matching the product description. In some cases, victims have their personal and financial data stolen as well. Avoid this by not buying from dubious sites.
5. Can I get my money back if I’m scammed?
If you are scammed, try to get reimbursement by contacting your bank or payment provider immediately. File claims and charges for suspected fraudulent activity. However, the chances of recovering losses are low since the sites disappear quickly. Your best bet is avoiding fake sites altogether.
6. How can I be sure my Boston Scally purchase is legitimate?
The only way to guarantee you receive authentic Boston Scally goods is to purchase directly from BostonScally.com or authorized retailers like Amazon. Research sellers carefully, look for warning signs of fakes, and avoid too-good-to-be-true deals. Stick to trusted sites and you’ll avoid scams.
7. Where can I report fake Boston Scally websites and social media pages?
Notify Boston Scally directly via email at info@bostonscally.com about any scams or fake websites using their brand. You can also report fake ads or accounts to the social media platforms they appear on. File official complaints about the scams with the FTC and IC3 to aid investigations.
8. How can I spot fake vs real Boston Scally Instagram accounts?
Check that Instagram accounts have the official verified blue checkmark badge. Fake accounts won’t have this. Also look for a high number of followers, links to the real website, and varied organic content related to the brand. Scam accounts often have low followers, share only promotional posts, and link to scam sites.
9. Why are there so many Boston Scally fakes and scams?
As an extremely popular brand, Boston Scally is heavily targeted by scammers seeking to profit from their reputation. By making fake sites appear to sell coveted products at huge discounts, the scammers play on consumer desire for a bargain. With the brand in high demand, the scams will likely persist.
10. What precautions can I take to avoid Boston Scally scams?
Stick to trusted retailers, research sellers, compare prices, look for warning signs of fakes, verify domains and company details, avoid too-good-to-be-true deals, use protected payment methods, and only buy directly from Boston Scally to ensure you receive authentic products and avoid scams.
The Bottom Line
The fake Boston Scally 90% off sale scam takes advantage of shoppers looking to score an unbelievable bargain. The scam sites seem convincing at first glance but telltale signs like unbelievable prices and dubious contact information are red flags.
Unfortunately, many unsuspecting victims only realize the deals are too good to be true after placing an order and receiving nothing in return. Some even have their personal and financial data compromised.
This scam will likely continue as long as the Boston Scally brand remains popular. But staying vigilant for warning signs, using protected payment methods, and only purchasing directly from Boston Scally can help consumers avoid being duped. Refrain from jumping on deals that seem too outrageous to be real – when it comes to Boston Scally sales, if it appears fake, it most likely is.
