Online shopping is convenient and often cheaper than going to a physical store. However, it also comes with some risks, such as falling prey to scam websites that offer too-good-to-be-true deals. One of these scams is the ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam, which has been reported by many consumers around the world. In this blog post, we will explain what are ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam websites, how they operate, and what to do if you have fallen victim to them.
What are ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ Scam Websites?
‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam websites are fake online stores that claim to sell branded products at extremely low prices. They use the name ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ and trick people into thinking that the store is closing and everything must be sold. They often advertise on social media platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and use images and logos of popular brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Apple, and Samsung. They also use fake reviews and testimonials to make their sites look legitimate.
How do the ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ Scam Websites operate?
The ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam websites lure customers with attractive offers and discounts, such as 80% off or buy one get one free. They ask customers to pay with credit cards or other online payment methods, such as PayPal. However, once the payment is made, the customers either receive nothing at all, or receive counterfeit or inferior goods that do not match the description or quality of the original products. The scam websites also do not provide any contact information, customer service, or refund policy. They may also use the customers’ personal and financial information for identity theft or fraud.
What to do if you have fallen victim to the ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ Scam Websites?
If you have fallen victim to the ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam websites, you should take the following steps:
Contact your bank or credit card company and report the fraudulent transaction. You may be able to reverse the charge or get a refund.
Change your passwords and security questions for your online accounts, especially if you have used the same ones for the scam website.
Report the scam website to the authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US, or the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in Australia. You can also report it to the social media platform where you saw the advertisement.
Warn your friends and family about the scam and advise them not to buy anything from the ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam websites.
Conclusion
The ‘Factory Outlet Clearance Sale’ scam websites are a common online shopping fraud that targets unsuspecting consumers. They use deceptive tactics to sell fake or non-existent products at very low prices. To avoid falling for this scam, you should always be careful when shopping online and do some research before buying anything from a new or unfamiliar website. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the website and the products, and look for signs of legitimacy, such as contact information, customer service, and refund policy. If you have fallen victim to this scam, you should report it to your bank or credit card company, change your passwords and security questions, report it to the authorities and social media platforms, and warn others about it.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
About Stelian
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
