HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites: How The Scam Works!

If you are a fan of the Home Shopping Network (HSN), you might have come across some websites that claim to be HSN Factory Outlet Shop. These sites offer huge discounts on HSN products, such as clothing, jewelry, electronics, and more. But before you get tempted to place an order, you should know that these sites are not affiliated with HSN and are actually scam sites that aim to steal your money and personal information.

HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites

What are the HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites?

The HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites are fraudulent websites that use the HSN logo and brand name to lure unsuspecting customers. They pretend to be official outlets of HSN, but they are not authorized by HSN or any of its partners. They sell counterfeit or low-quality products, or they don’t deliver anything at all. They also collect your credit card details, email address, phone number, and other sensitive data that they can use for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

How do the HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites operate?

The HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites usually advertise on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. They use fake reviews, testimonials, and ratings to make their sites look legitimate and trustworthy. They also use domain names that are similar to HSN’s official website, such as hsnfactoryoutletshop.com, hsnoutletstore.com, or hsnfactory.com. They offer products that are marked down by 50% or more, and they claim to have limited stock and time offers. They also offer free shipping and easy returns to entice you to buy from them.

However, once you place an order, you will either receive a confirmation email with a fake tracking number, or you will not receive any confirmation at all. If you try to contact their customer service, you will either get no response or a generic reply that does not address your issue. If you receive your order, you will find out that the products are not as described, defective, damaged, or counterfeit. If you try to return them, you will either be asked to pay for the shipping cost and restocking fee, or you will not get any refund at all.

What to do if you have fallen victim?

If you have fallen victim to the HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites, you should take the following steps:

  • Contact your bank or credit card company and dispute the charges. You may be able to get your money back if you act quickly.
  • Change your passwords and PINs for your online accounts, especially if you used the same ones for the scam sites.
  • Report the scam sites to HSN’s official customer service at 1-800-284-5757 or email them at hsncustomerservice@hsn.com. You can also report them to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/.
  • Warn your friends and family about the scam sites and advise them not to buy from them.

Conclusion

The HSN Factory Outlet Shop Scam Sites are a serious threat to online shoppers who love HSN products. They use deceptive tactics to trick you into giving them your money and personal information. You should always be careful when shopping online and verify the legitimacy of the website before making a purchase. You should also check the reviews and ratings of the website from other sources, such as Trustpilot, Sitejabber, or Scamadviser. You should also avoid clicking on links or ads that seem too good to be true. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

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    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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