Elaborate fake e-commerce websites pretending to sell genuine Reebok shoes are proliferating online and deceiving customers with seemingly amazing discounts. However, research reveals these fraudulent sites are part of an interconnected scam network based in China. Victims receive either nothing after payment or low-quality knockoffs.
This comprehensive guide will examine how this pervasive scam works, techniques for identifying fake sites, steps to take if you are victimized, and tips for safely buying authentic Reebok shoes online.
Overview of the Fake Reebok Websites Scam
Online shopping scams involving highly sophisticated fake Reebok websites are rapidly increasing, deceiving customers with remarkably low prices on popular Reebok shoes. In-depth analysis indicates these fraudulent sites are part of an extensive interconnected scam network based in China.
The operators are completely anonymous, lacking any transparency about who owns or manages these unauthorized sites. They display Reebok’s actual logo, mimic website design, and feature Reebok shoe models like the Nano, Classic Leather, Club C, and Freestyle. However, Reebok has not authorized them to utilize the brand in this deceptive manner.
These fraudulent sites bait customers with unrealistic rock-bottom pricing for coveted Reebok shoes that could never be profitable for a real retailer. All product images and descriptions are stolen from legitimate sites, demonstrating the lack of originality. They have no social media presence, unlike authentic brands.
Once payments are submitted, customers either receive nothing after endless delays or inferior knockoff Reeboks made with substandard materials if any shipment arrives. The sophisticated scam network relies heavily on social media ads to funnel traffic to their convincingly designed but fake sites.
This intricate scam aims to steal money through fraudulent orders, compromise users’ personal and payment data for potential identity theft, and avoid repercussions through anonymity. Victimized shoppers end up losing funds through failed chargebacks and some even have their information misused later on.
How the Fake Reebok Websites Scam Unfolds
Here is how the scam typically plays out for victims:
Step 1: See Social Media Ads for Reebok
The scam starts with enticing Reebok ads on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok featuring shoes and messages like “80% Off This Weekend Only!” Links go to counterfeit sites.
Step 2: Visit Deceptive High-Quality Website
The website closely imitates Reebok’s real branding and site design. Shoe categories, shopping cart, and checkout mimic the authentic experience. Prices are suspiciously low to further the deception. All content is stolen from legit retailers.
Step 3: Submit Order and Personal Information
During checkout, users enter shipping address, email, payment info, and other personal data which exposes them to potential identity theft down the line.
Step 4: No Shoes Ever Arrive After Payment
Weeks pass with endless delays and zero shipment arrival. Emails and calls go unreturned as the criminals have already captured the payments.
Step 5: Chargebacks Fail Through Banks
Banks often cannot identify the phantom merchant, so fraudulent chargeback attempts fail. Users lose money and some have personal information stolen.
Red Flags to Identify Fake Sites
While the sites appear convincing, several key signs can help identify fraudulent Reebok sellers:
- Ridiculously low prices like $25 for a $100 shoe
- Stock photos instead of unique product images
- Bad grammar/spelling throughout the site
- No physical address listed for the “company”
- No working customer service phone number or email
- No reviews or suspiciously fake-looking reviews
- High-pressure sales tactics urging immediate purchase
- Temporary-looking URL instead of permanent domain
Steps if Scammed by a Fake Reebok Website
If you ordered from an unauthorized fake Reebok retailer and either got nothing or knockoffs, take these steps immediately:
If you have fallen victim to this scam, you should take immediate action to protect yourself and your money. Here are some steps that you can take:
- Contact your bank immediately – Alert your bank to disputed charges and consider canceling your card to prevent further fraudulent purchases.
- Keep records – Save receipts, emails, screenshots, and any details related to the transaction. This provides proof of the scam.
- File a complaint – Report the fraud to the FTC and Internet Crime Complaint Center. Provide any relevant records.
- Leave online reviews – Post details of the scam on consumer review sites to warn others. However, don’t defame legitimate businesses.
- Report social media accounts – If the scam involved social media, report the accounts to get them removed.
- Reverse payments – If you paid with a credit card, request a chargeback. For wire transfers, contact the recipient bank to possibly reverse it.
- Check credit reports – Request credit reports to check for any accounts opened fraudulently using your information. Consider placing a credit freeze if needed.
- Reset account passwords – Change passwords on any online accounts that used the same login credentials entered on the scam site.
- Check your device for viruses – Run a Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free scan to check for any malware that may have infected your device through the site.
- Learn from the situation – Study how you were deceived so you can avoid other scams in the future.
Being vigilant against shopping scams and acting quickly when scammed can help limit financial and identity theft impact. Report it to help authorities investigate and shutdown scam sites that are still active.
Safely Buying Authentic Reebok Shoes Online
Protect yourself from scams and ensure you receive genuine Reebok shoes by following these tips:
- Price check – Fake sites have absurdly low prices compared to MSRP
- Vet the seller – Search for bad reviews and scam reports
- Confirm contact details – Real businesses have verifiable addresses and working customer service numbers
- Avoid social media ads – Navigate directly to the real site; don’t click ad links
- Purchase with a credit card – Provides fraud protection and ability to dispute charges
- Verify site security – Look for HTTPS, SSL certificate, McAfee Trustmark
- Trust your gut – If you suspect a scam, do not purchase
Fake Reebok Shopping Scam FAQs
How can scam sites sell Reebok shoes so cheap?
Fake sites show unrealistic prices to lure customers. Scammers don’t actually send any shoes, just steal money. Legit Reebok retailers could never sustain those low prices at scale.
What arrives after ordering from a fake Reebok website?
Most often, victims receive nothing at all after payment. In some cases, victims receive used or defective shoes, completely wrong random products, or poor quality knockoff Reeboks made with inferior materials.
Can I get a refund if I was scammed?
Contact your credit card provider immediately to report fraudulent charges and request a chargeback. Provide all details and documentation. If you wired funds, recovering losses is very difficult.
How do I report a fake website?
Submit detailed complaints to the FTC, FBI IC3, BBB, Reebok, Ripoff Report, and your state attorney general. Provide the site name, URL, screenshot evidence, and your experience.
How can I determine if a site is fake?
Fake sites have prices too good to be true, stock photos, no real address, grammatical errors, lacking contact info, no SSL, temporary URL, and other red flags.
Is it safe to buy Reeboks on Instagram or Facebook?
No, those platforms carry high risks from scam sellers. Only buy directly on the real Reebok site. Avoid ads, Marketplace, and posts from accounts claiming Reebok shoes.
What should I do if the scammers stole my data?
Monitor bank activity and check credit reports if you fear information was compromised. Consider freezing accounts and enable credit monitoring. Report identity theft to the FTC.
Can the scammers be punished or stopped?
It’s very difficult. The sites conceal details and payments are laundered cryptically. Reporting fake sites helps get them taken down to prevent future victims. Avoid “recovery services” claiming to track the criminals.
The Bottom Line
In their pursuit of discounted Reebok shoes online, consumers must avoid incredibly cheap prices and over the top deals which always indicate counterfeit sites run by anonymous scam networks. Purchasing directly from Reebok.com instead of clicking social media ads is key. If you do land on another site, look for red flags, verify contact details, and trust your instincts – if it seems fake, do not buy. Reporting fraudulent websites to agencies like the BBB can get them removed and prevent future victims. With knowledge of their tactics and scam avoidance savvy, shoppers can score authentic, affordable Reebok shoes and steer clear of sophisticated fake website pitfalls.
