L.L.Bean is one of America’s most beloved and trusted outdoor apparel and gear retailers, known for its high-quality products, stellar customer service, and 100% satisfaction guarantee. However, scammers are increasingly taking advantage of L.L.Bean’s brand reputation by creating convincing fake e-commerce sites that lure in customers with unbelievable “clearance sale” offers of up to 90% off.
This article will provide an in-depth overview of how the L.L.Bean clearance sale scam works, including the common red flags to watch out for, what happens if you fall for the scam, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from getting tricked by these malicious fake websites. With online shopping fraud at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever for consumers to arm themselves with knowledge to avoid getting ripped off.
Overview of the Scam
The L.L.Bean clearance sale scam primarily operates using social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Scammers will run video or display ads on these sites advertising unbelievable deals on L.L.Bean products, such as high-end jackets for $29, boots for $39, and backpacks for $49.
The ads use attention-grabbing slogans like “Warehouse Clearance Sale – Up to 90% Off,” “L.L.Bean Closing Down Sale,” or “L.L.Bean Liquidation Event – Going Out of Business.” They also use L.L.Bean’s logo and brand images without permission to mislead viewers into thinking the sales are legitimate.
If users click on these ads, they are taken to convincing-looking, yet completely fake e-commerce sites that continue the ruse with professional templates, stock photos of L.L.Bean products, and even stolen product descriptions and reviews. However, none of these sites are affiliated with or authorized by L.L.Bean in any way.
Despite advertising clearance discounts of up to 90% off, the products on these fake sites are typically priced from $29 to $49. If a customer completes a purchase, either the order never ships and the site disappears, or a cheap counterfeit item arrives instead of the expected L.L.Bean product.
This scam takes advantage of L.L.Bean’s reputation for quality and exploits unaware online shoppers seeking deals. Keep reading to learn exactly how the scam operates from start to finish.
How the L.L.Bean Clearance Sale Scam Works
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how scammers carry out this fraudulent scheme from advertisement to delivery:
Step 1: Scammers Run Ads on Social Media
The scam begins with scammers setting up advertisements on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. They target users who are most likely to be interested in outdoor apparel and gear. The ads use simple but effective tricks:
- Using L.L.Bean’s official logo, brand font, and product photos without permission to appear legitimate.
- Headlines offering unbelievable deals like “90% Off Clearance Sale” or “Warehouse Liquidation Sale.”
- Listed prices of $29, $39, or $49 for products that normally cost over $100.
- Urgent calls to action like “Limited Time Only!” or “Today Only Deals.”
The goal is to entice users to click through to their fake website before skepticism sets in.
Step 2: Users Land on Elaborate Fake Sites
Clicking these social media ads leads to sophisticated fake e-commerce sites that copy the look and feel of a legitimate online store. The sites have:
- A professional template with L.L.Bean’s logo and brand images.
- Sections and menus similar to the real L.L.Bean site.
- Stolen product photos and descriptions to list clearance items.
- A seemingly secure checkout process.
- Customer reviews copied from real websites to build trust.
The only contact information provided is a non-working customer service email or phone number. Everything appears above-board on the surface.
Step 3: Shoppers Purchase Discounted Products
Upon arriving at the convincing fake site, customers browse incredible “blowout deals” of $29 jackets, $39 boots, and $49 flannel shirts. The listed retail prices show 90% off discounts.
The scam capitalizes on fosucty of the L.L.Bean brand, quality, and prices. Seeing such deep discounts activates a fear of missing out. Customers hurry to purchase products before this “limited time sale” ends.
They enter payment card details into what looks like a standard secure checkout flow. However, their money is going directly to scammers with no product ever shipping.
Step 4: No Items Ship, or Low-Quality Knockoffs Arrive
After completing purchases on fake sites, customers experience one of two outcomes:
- Nothing arrives – The most common result is that ordered items never get shipped. The sites typically vanish within days, and emails sent to the provided customer service address go unanswered.
- Cheap knockoffs – In some cases, victims receive low-cost counterfeit products like cheap sunglasses or phone cases instead of the L.L.Bean items ordered. This allows scammers to provide tracking numbers and appear somewhat legitimate.
Either way, the customers lose their money and never get the promoted products. The elaborate fake sites simply scammed their credit cards.
How to Recognize This Scam on Social Media
Spotting the Scam on Facebook
The fake L.L.Bean clearance sale ads are very common on Facebook. Here’s what to watch for:
- Video ads promising 90% off warehouse sales or store closings.
- Posts using enticing slogans like “Going Out of Business Sale” or “Today Only Deals”.
- L.L.Bean logo, products, and stolen catalog images used without permission.
- Listed prices of $29, $39 or $49 for jackets, boots, and other gear.
- Urgent calls to action like “Limited Time Only!” and “Free Shipping”.
- Links to sketchy websites you’ve never heard of before.
- Sloppy text with typos, grammar errors, and repeated claims.
- Stolen or AI-generated video footage pretending to be L.L.Bean.
Always double check unfamiliar Facebook ads and posts pushing clearance sales before engaging or clicking anything. Search for the website name and scan user reviews first. Report suspicious ads directly to Facebook as well.
Spotting the Scam on Instagram
Fraudulent L.L.Bean sellers also blanket Instagram with fake 90% off ads, including:
- Posts promoting “Blowout Sale” and “Clearance Event” with low prices.
- Stories or Reels hyping the urgent last day for a warehouse or outlet sale.
- Accounts using L.L.Bean’s name and logos without permission.
- Images of apparel or products copied from the L.L.Bean catalog without consent.
- Too good to be true prices like $29 Down Jackets in the comments or captions.
- Link in bio sending to shady site never heard of before.
- CommentsDisable or lack of user engagement exposing a fake account.
- Filthy kitchen bedrrom and bathroom stock images in the background. Never trust these kind of accounts.
Always verify Instagram sellers are legitimate before following links to sale events. Search for the account name and website to uncover scam warnings from other victims.
Spotting the Scam on TikTok
Deceptive L.L.Bean video ads are rampant on TikTok as well, including:
- Short clips promising clearance discounts up to 90% off.
- Fake employee or influencer videos filmed in homes pretending to showcase a liquidation sale.
- Sounds and captions urgency like “Hurry, today’s the last day!” or “Going out of business”.
- Links in bios and captions pointing to scammy shopping websites.
- Videos generalizing about great deals rather than showing real branded products.
- Comments and engagement disabled to hide negative feedback.
- Filthy kitchen bedrrom and bathroom stock images in the background. Never trust these kind of accounts.
Always vet TikTok sellers and deals through independent searching before tapping on links or providing personal information. Stay vigilant for red flags like those above when clearance sales seem too good to be true.
Identifying Fraudulent L.L.Bean Clearance Sale Websites
While the fake L.L.Bean sites look convincing at first glance, there are key signs to recognize their fraudulent nature upon closer inspection:
Look for Newly Created Domains
Run the website through a domain registration search on Whois.com. Scam sites often use new domains registered just weeks or months ago. For example, the fake site “llbeanblowoutsale.shop” was registered in January 2023 – a huge red flag.
Verify Limited Contact Information
Fake L.L.Bean sites typically only provide an email address for customer service. No real phone number or physical address can be found. Searching the email or phone often reveals it linked to other fraudulent sites.
Watch for Unbelievable Discounts
Real retailers very rarely offer discounts over 75%, let alone 90% off all products site-wide. See prices like $29 jackets and $39 boots as an instant red flag.
Look for Template Designs
Scammers use template e-commerce platforms and just insert the L.L.Bean logos and stolen product photos. Look for cookie-cutter site layouts you recognize from other retailers.
Scrutinize Enticing Slogans
Phrases like “90% Off Clearance Sale” or “Store Closing Sale – Limited Time Only” are go-to hooks scammers use to create false urgency and lure shoppers via emotional response.
Reverse Image Search Product Photos
Many fake sites steal product images directly from L.L.Bean’s website or catalogs without permission. Reverse image searches will reveal if the pictures are in fact ripped off from other sources.
Following these tips will equip you to effectively inspect websites and detect fraudulent L.L.Bean clearance sale scams. Trust your instincts – if a deal seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Verify site legitimacy through independent research before providing any personal or payment details.
What to Do If You Fell Victim to the Scam
If you unfortunately completed purchases on one of these convincing but fraudulent L.L.Bean outlet sites, here are the steps to take right away:
- Contact your credit card provider – Report the incident and request to chargeback any unauthorized payments. Act quickly, as many card providers have a 60-120 day window to dispute charges. Provide any available order details, site screenshots, tracking numbers, etc.
- Report the fake site – Alert L.L.Bean’s intellectual property team at fakewebsite@llbean.com about the scam website misusing their brand. Also report it to the hosting provider, registrar, and authorities.
- Warn others – Prevent more victims by reporting fake ads to social networks and leaving comments about your experience on scam watchdog sites. Spread awareness about this scam.
- Monitor statements – Keep an eye out for any additional suspicious charges or signs of identity theft. Placing fraud alerts and freezing credit reports may be wise precautions.
- Adjust security settings – Update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be more cautious when shopping online going forward. Don’t store payment information in online retail profiles.
Being defrauded by online shopping scams can be upsetting beyond just the financial loss. But contacting banks quickly and warning others can help limit the damage.
How to Avoid Falling for the Fake L.L.Bean Clearance Sale Scam
While the fake e-commerce sites run as part of this scam are quite convincing at first glance, there are some key warning signs to watch out for:
Look for Red Flags in Ads and Websites
- Prices that seem too good to be true, like 90% off retail.
- Pressure tactics like “Today Only” or “Limited Time Offer.”
- Typos, grammatical errors, or other sloppy mistakes.
- Fake limited supply warnings to spur urgency.
- Poor quality images that don’t match a brand’s standards.
- Links that use odd domain extensions like “.shop” or “.sale.”
- No customer service phone number, physical address, or contact information beyond an email.
- No HTTPS secure site certificate.
Verify Authenticity Before Purchasing
- Go directly to the official brand site to compare product listings and prices.
- Search online for the site name + terms like “scam” or “fake” to find warnings.
- Call the legitimate brand’s customer service to confirm if they are affiliated with the site.
- Check site registration details at lookup sites like Whois.com. Beware of newly registered domains.
- Review web hosting companies, SSL certificates, and site registrars for inconsistencies.
- Never trust seller claims alone. Independently verify certification badges like BBB or Trustpilot.
Use Payment Protections
- Avoid debit cards or wire transfers—use credit cards with fraud protections.
- Never provide sensitive info unless fully verifying a site’s legitimacy first.
- Beware of sites asking you to pay via PayPal Family & Friends, Zelle, gift cards, etc. These lack scam protections.
Staying vigilant when shopping online and trusting your instincts to avoid deals that seem too good to be true will keep you safe from clearance sale scammers. Remember to report any fake sites to help protect others from being victimized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fake L.L.Bean Clearance Sale Scam
1. How do I recognize a fake L.L.Bean clearance sale website or ad?
Watch for these red flags:
- Prices that seem unrealistic, like 90% off retail
- High-pressure tactics urging you to act fast
- Lack of real contact info besides an email
- Grammatical errors or typos
- Poor quality or unrealistic product photos
- Newly created web domains with odd extensions
- Missing or dubious customer reviews
- No HTTPS secure site certificate
2. What happens if I order from one of these fraudulent sites?
Most likely your credit card will be charged but you’ll never receive any products. The site will vanish quickly. In some cases victims receive cheap counterfeit items instead of authentic L.L.Bean products. Either way, your personal and payment info is at serious risk.
3. How can I verify if an L.L.Bean clearance sale site is real?
Always independently validate unfamiliar sites before providing any information. Search for the site name plus “scam” or “fake” to uncover warnings. Check domain registration details at Whois.com for red flags. Call L.L.Bean customer service at 1-800-555-5555 to confirm if they are affiliated with the site and sale. Never assume a site is legitimate based on appearance alone.
4. What should I do if I placed an order on a fake website?
Immediately call your credit card company and report fraudulent charges so they can be reversed quickly. Provide any order details and screenshots. Alert L.L.Bean at fakewebsite@llbean.com about misuse of their brand. Report the site to the hosting provider, registrar, and authorities. Monitor your statements closely for further suspicious activity.
5. How can I avoid these clearance sale scams in the future?
Always independently verify unfamiliar ecommerce sites before providing any personal or payment information. Search for site reviews. Confirm domain registration details. Contact customer service to authenticate sales. Avoid unbelievable deals that seem too good to be true. Only pay via credit card to enable fraud protections. Stay vigilant for red flags with online deals.
6. Where can I learn more about identifying and avoiding online shopping scams?
Check consumer protection sites like BBB.org and FTC.gov for current scam alerts and advice. Search “[Brand] scam” when unfamiliar sales arise. Read scam victim reports on websites like ScamAdviser. Stay updated on the latest online retail frauds targeting consumers to protect yourself.
The Bottom Line
The L.L.Bean name and reputation for quality have made it a prime target for clearance sale scammers to create elaborate fake websites and social media ads. Falling for these too-good-to-be-true deals can lead to lost money and compromised personal information without ever receiving the promised amazing discounts on L.L.Bean products.
However, there are concrete warning signs to recognize these fraudulent deals before it’s too late. By double-checking unfamiliar sites, approaching unbelievable bargains with skepticism, and only providing payment information to fully verified vendors, savvy shoppers can avoid being fooled. If you do fall victim, acting quickly to notify banks and brands can limit the damage.
In summary, being an informed consumer is the best defense against online shopping scams. The lure of clearance sales on coveted brands like L.L.Bean can be powerful, but always trust your instincts. Verify seller legitimacy, watch for red flags, use secure payment methods, and report fake sites to protect yourself and the online retail community. Stay vigilant, and don’t let allure of steep discounts override your common sense.
With the right precautions, you can still score great deals from trusted retailers, brands, and websites without putting your personal information and wallet at risk. Keep these tips in mind, and happy smart shopping!
