A network of fraudulent websites promoting a fictitious Dick’s Sporting Goods warehouse sale has been bilking customers out of money through deceptive ads and deals. But savvy shoppers can learn how to recognize the signs of these scammy sites and avoid getting duped.
How the Dick’s Warehouse Sale Website Scam Works
The scam starts with fake promotions on social media and search ads touting a blowout Dick’s warehouse clearance event with extreme discounts up to 90% off. Users who click on these compelling ads get funneled to one of the many fraudulent sites posing as authorized Dick’s outlets.
At first glance, these websites appear convincing, featuring Dick’s real branding, logos, and an array of authentic-looking products at unbelievable markdowns. However, telltale flaws give away their fraudulent nature.
When customers place orders through the sites expecting bargains, one of several disappointing outcomes typically occurs:
- Credit cards get charged, but no products ever ship out.
- Low-quality knockoffs arrive instead of genuine items.
- Used, damaged or tampered goods show up at doorsteps.
- Random cheap products are sent completely different than what was ordered.
On top of scamming shoppers out of money, these phony websites also harvest users’ personal and financial data like names, addresses and credit card numbers to sell or use for future identity theft schemes.
Meanwhile, the scam call centers disappear after successfully processing payments. Dick’s confirms they have no affiliation with these deceitful websites illegitimately using their brand identity to rip people off.
Recognizing the Scam Dick’s Websites
While the fake Dick’s warehouse sale websites go to great lengths to appear authentic on the surface, a close examination reveals multiple red flags:
Odd Domain Names
The scam sites use names designed to sound like Dick’s official URL, with typos or extra words like:
- dickssportswearhouse.com
- dickssportinggoods-outlet.net
- dickswarehouseblowout.org
- dickssportsgear.co
Misspellings, dashes, “outlet”, “warehouse” or other additions to the Dick’s name should raise immediate suspicion.
Misappropriated Branding
The scam websites display stolen Dick’s branding assets like the logo, product photos, and website design without authorization. However, sloppy formatting gives their illegitimacy away.
Implausible Pricing
So-called markdowns of 70%, 80% or even 90% off are advertised to lure in victims. No retailer could realistically offer such extreme discounts and remain in business.
Lack of Company Details
No authentic “Contact Us” page, corporate info, customer service numbers, or other standard business transparency details can be found.
Fake Reviews
Any reviews seem obviously fabricated, or there are only angry complaints about getting scammed. No sign of real customers ever successfully shopping the sites.
No Social Media Links
No clickable links or mentions of Dick’s actual social media profiles like their verified Twitter, Instagram or Facebook accounts.
Avoiding the Dick’s Warehouse Scam Sites
The most reliable way to steer clear of these fraudulent Dick’s warehouse websites is to only make purchases directly through Dick’s official website at dickssportinggoods.com.
Before providing any site claiming incredible blowout Dick’s deals with your money or personal data, carefully verify:
- The domain name matches Dick’s exactly without additions/typos.
- Pricing seems realistic, not dramatically slashed by 70%+ across the board.
- Working customer service phone, email, live chat and physical address are listed.
- The About Us page provides detailed company information and history.
- Real verified social media account links are present.
- Reviews from legitimate customers are posted describing positive shopping experiences.
- No scam warnings have been issued against the business by the BBB, FTC, or security sites.
If a website promoting unbelievable Dick’s warehouse clearance prices fails these legitimacy checks, avoid supplying it with any sensitive information to keep your data and money safe.
How to Identify the Scam Ads on Facebook
Watch out for these signs of fraudulent Dick’s warehouse sale ads on Facebook:
- Sponsored posts touting a huge Dick’s warehouse blowout sale with 90% off deals.
- Links lead to shady URLs like “dickswarehousesale90.com” instead of Dick’s real website.
- Grammar and formatting errors throughout the ads.
- Comments from users asking if it’s legitimate or complaining about orders.
- The Facebook page behind the ads has no history or followers.
- No actual contact info besides a link to the sketchy website.
- Dick’s official Facebook page is not associated with the ads in any way.
Any Facebook ads promoting unrealistic warehouse savings or leading to questionable sites should raise red flags. Verify Dick’s real promotions.
How to Spot the Scam on Instagram
Here are signs of fraudulent Dick’s warehouse sale ads on Instagram:
- Posts advertising clearance items 90% off from a secret Dick’s warehouse.
- The @dickssportinggoods Instagram account isn’t mentioned.
- Sketchy links in bios redirecting to scam sites like “dicksblowoutsale.org”.
- No evidence the account belongs to Dick’s Sporting Goods.
- Comments asking if it’s a scam or complaining about fraud.
- Limited engagement and followers on the account posting ads.
Use extra caution with Instagram ads promoting unbelievable Dick’s warehouse prices from accounts you don’t recognize.
Identifying Fake TikTok Ads
On TikTok, misleading Dick’s warehouse sale ads to watch for include:
- Video ads falsely claiming 90% off all items in a secret Dick’s warehouse.
- Links in bios going to shady domains unrelated to Dick’s.
- No signs the account is affiliated with Dick’s Sporting Goods.
- Commenters asking if it’s legitimate or saying orders never arrived.
- The account behind the ads has zero other content or followers.
Apply heavy skepticism to any TikTok ads promoting improbable warehouse deals on Dick’s merchandise from unknown accounts.
Steps If You Already Got Scammed By a Fake Website
If you discovered you mistakenly shopped with a fraudulent Dick’s website and supplied your payment info or placed an order, take these steps ASAP:
Immediately Notify Your Bank/Credit Card Company
Contact your card issuer or bank right away, explain the situation, and report the charges as fraudulent. Doing this quickly gives you the best shot at reversing the payments.
Provide all details about the scam website that defrauded you. Make it clear you were deceived into providing information and do not authorize any additional charges.
Monitor Your Accounts Closely
Keep vigilant watch over your credit card statements, bank account activity and credit reports over the next few months for any signs of additional fraud or identity theft. Report unauthorized transactions as soon as possible.
Change All Account Passwords
Even if you only entered credit card details, go ahead and update passwords on your main online accounts as a security safeguard. Make each password long, complex and unique.
Place Fraud Alerts on Your Credit Reports
Consider placing 90-day initial fraud alerts with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion if the scam website has your full Social Security number or other identity theft risks.
Report Details to the FTC and IC3
To aid law enforcement in combating these scam websites, file detailed complaints with the FTC and Internet Crime Complaint Center describing the fraudulent activities.
By promptly reporting fake Dick’s websites whenever they are identified, consumers can help curtail these recurring hoaxes that exploit the trusted Dick’s Sporting Goods name and brand recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fake Dick’s Warehouse Websites
Consumers need the facts to avoid getting defrauded by scam websites promoting unbelievable Dick’s warehouse deals. Here are key questions answered:
Are the Dick’s warehouse sale websites affiliated with Dick’s Sporting Goods?
No. Dick’s has confirmed the warehouse sale websites are completely fraudulent and unaffiliated with Dick’s company. They are scam sites seeking to defraud customers.
What is the discount being advertised on the scam sites?
The fake Dick’s websites typically tout discounts of 70-90% off or more on sporting apparel and equipment to entice victims. But these deals are fabricated.
What happens when I order from the scam websites?
In most cases, your credit card will be charged but you will never receive any products. Or you may get low-quality fakes instead of authentic goods.
How can I recognize a fake Dick’s warehouse website?
Watch for red flags like altered URLs, prices too good to be true (up to 90% off), grammatical errors, no real contact info, fake reviews, lack of company details, etc.
Are the products advertised on the sites real?
No. The scam websites just steal product images and descriptions from Dick’s legitimate website. But they do not actually have any of that inventory to sell.
Can I get a refund if I paid a scam website?
You need to immediately contest the charges with your credit card company. But refunds are not guaranteed once you provide your information.
Should I report fake Dick’s websites?
Absolutely! Reporting them to the FTC, IC3, BBB and state attorney generals helps get these scams shut down.
How can I shop Dick’s deals safely?
Only shop at dickssportinggoods.com to ensure you are on the real site. Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals from any other unfamiliar sites using the Dick’s name.
This FAQ provides the key facts and tips shoppers need to avoid getting duped by fraudulent websites peddling fake Dick’s warehouse blowout offers and stealing hard-earned money.
The Bottom Line – Verify Before Providing Payment Info
Viral promotions for a mythical Dick’s Sporting Goods warehouse blowout clearance sale with unbelievable 70-90% savings seem too good to be true because they are outright scams. No such authorized liquidation event is taking place.
These hot “deals” are dangled online by fraudulent websites falsely posing as legitimate Dick’s outlets just to extract payments and data from tricked shoppers. But a close look reveals multiple signs these sites are counterfeit.
Protect yourself by always carefully scrutinizing websites before making purchases, especially when advertised through sponsored links or social ads. Verify domain names, contact details, company history, customer reviews, and pricing thoroughly match expectations before submitting any sensitive information.
By sticking to Dick’s official website and applying extra caution, smart online shoppers can avoid the financial and privacy risks of entering payment details on scam websites hijacking the Dick’s name. Don’t let alluring but unbelievable warehouse blowout offers dupe you.
