A deceptive shapewear scam is making the rounds on Facebook, luring victims with enticing ads and fake discount deals. But it’s just a scheme to steal credit card information. This article will expose how the scam works and provide tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
Scam Overview
This viral Facebook scam promotes shapewear like bodysuits and “waist trainers” using eye-catching videos and ads. The posts tout the benefits of the shapewear for getting an instant slimming effect and an hourglass figure.
The ads direct users to elaborate fake e-commerce websites that mimic legitimate online stores. These sites encourage visitors to purchase the deeply discounted shapewear and enter their credit card information to process the order.
However, it’s simply a scam to harvest users’ financial details. The shapewear is either never shipped, or victims receive poorly-made products that in no way deliver the promised results. The websites are not associated with any real company and cannot fulfill orders.
The shapewear scam exhibits all the classic warning signs of online fraud:
- Prices that seem too good to be true – up to 50% off or more.
- Claims that the shapewear will instantly take inches off one’s waist and hips.
- Fake celebrity endorsements and use of terms like “magic” and “miracle.”
- No indication of an actual business behind the website.
- Grammatical errors, stock photos, and other amateur signs.
- Aggressive sales tactics urging quick purchases.
By recognizing these red flags, Facebook users can hopefully avoid being deceived by this viral scam. The best defense is awareness and caution when evaluating such offers online.
How the Scam Works
This shapewear scam is intricately designed to take advantage of users’ insecurities and desire to improve their bodies. Here’s an inside look at how the fraud operates.
Bait: Enticing Facebook Ads
The scam begins with sponsored ads on Facebook that promote shapewear products using persuasive language and eye-catching images. For example:
“Transform your silhouette with our premium shapewear 🌟 Crafted by women for women. Experience the magic of our advanced power sculpting technology that delivers an instant hourglass shape, celebrating every body type. 🔥HOT SALE – 49% OFF🔥Bodysuit Shapewear [scam site link]”
These ads tout the benefits of achieving an hourglass figure “instantly” and use terms like “magic” and “power sculpting technology” to hype up the products. Fake celebrity endorsements and reviews lend credibility.
Time-limited discounts of 40-50% off create urgency and interest. The professional quality of the ads gives no indication this is a scam.
Hook: Elaborate Fake Websites
Clicking on the Facebook ads brings users to sophisticated fake ecommerce websites that further work to deceive victims. These sites have domain names like “ShapeWearShop”, “HourglassBoutique” or “SlimSuites” to sound legitimate.
The websites have all the hallmarks of real online stores, including polished branding, product descriptions, customer reviews, an About Us page, sizing guides, and shipping/return policies. This builds users’ trust that it is a valid retailer.
Of course, all the content on these sites is completely fabricated. The too-good-to-be-true discounts of 40% off or more continue enticing potential victims.
Reel-In: Requesting Credit Card Information
After luring users in with the fake sites, it’s time to reel them in and steal their financial information.
The sites encourage users to purchase the shapewear quickly before the discounted prices expire. Those who attempt to add items to their cart are prompted to enter their credit card number and billing details to complete checkout.
The websites claim this is to process payment for the deeply discounted shapewear. But in reality, it’s just a scheme to harvest users’ financial information.
Victims are unknowingly entering their details into forms on scam sites thinking they are making legitimate purchases.
The Catch: No Product and Stolen Information
After submitting their information, victims never receive any shapewear products in the mail. The elaborate scam websites are not connected to any real company or warehouse that can fulfill orders.
However, users’ credit card details are now in the hands of scammers. At best, this data gets sold on the dark web. But often, victims’ accounts get used to make fraudulent purchases or have their identities stolen.
Some users eventually receive cheap, ill-fitting shapewear weeks later. This helps the scammers defend against complaints by claiming they did send products.
But the reality is – the shapewear deals promoted in the Facebook ads don’t actually exist. The sites simply steal users’ information and money under the guise of a discount promotion.
How to Spot the Facebook Shapewear Scam
Unfortunately, scams are common on social media platforms like Facebook. Here are some tips to recognize the viral shapewear scam on Facebook and avoid being deceived:
- Look for too-good-to-be-true discounts – Genuine shapewear brands rarely offer steep discounts like 50% off or more. Unrealistic deals are a clear red flag.
- Watch for exaggerated claims – No shapewear can magically transform your body overnight or instantly take off inches. Claims that seem too amazing raise suspicions.
- Research unfamiliar sites – Thoroughly vet any website you haven’t heard of before entering personal info. Scam sites lack real contact info or proof of legitimacy.
- Check for grammar/spelling errors – Sloppy mistakes indicate an amateur scam operation, not a real business.
- Beware pressure to buy quickly – Scammers create false urgency by claiming discounts expiring soon. Real brands won’t rush you to purchase.
- Verify security features – Legitimate sites will have “https” URLs, SSL certificates, and McAfee SECURE trust marks. Scam sites lack these protections.
- Avoid “one product” stores – Reputable shapewear brands sell multiple products, not just a single item. One-product sites are highly suspicious.
- Read reviews cautiously – Scam sites often have fake 5-star reviews. Check if reviewers have real profiles and various posts.
- Trust your gut feeling – If a deal gives you bad vibes, close the page. It’s best to be safe rather than sorry.
Stay vigilant and use common sense when shopping online. If you spot multiple red flags, report the Facebook ad to help warn others. Protect yourself and your information.
What to Do If You Are a Victim
Falling for online scams can have devastating financial consequences. If you suspect you entered information on a fraudulent shapewear website, here are important steps to take:
Contact Your Credit Card Company Immediately
Call your credit card provider right away to report the incident as fraud. Alert them that your card details were entered on a scam website impersonating a retailer. Request that they cancel your current card and issue a new one to prevent additional fraud.
Ask your provider to reverse any pending or recent charges from the scam websites. The sooner you report it, the better the chances unauthorized transactions can be stopped. Monitor your statements closely for the next few months as well.
Review Statements for Suspicious Activity
Carefully examine your credit card statements each billing cycle for unusual charges or activity. Even small amounts could indicate a scammer testing your card.
Report any unfamiliar charges promptly to your card issuer and ask them to investigate. Provide as much detail as possible like the merchant name, amount, and date of transaction.
Check Your Credit Reports
Check your credit reports frequently after being scammed to detect any new accounts or loans opened using your information. Scammers who gain your card details will sometimes leverage that to open fraudulent lines of credit.
Look for credit checks from unfamiliar companies or accounts/addresses you don’t recognize. Report any suspicious finds to the credit bureaus to have them removed.
Change Account Passwords
As a precaution, change the passwords on your online accounts in case the scam website also obtained any login or personal information. Use strong unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication when possible for extra security.
Learn from This Experience
While falling for scams is disheartening, try looking at it as a powerful lesson for the future. Reflect on what drew you to the shapewear scam originally and the signs you overlooked. Let this motivate you to be even more cautious and informed when shopping online.
Research common online scams that are trending right now to avoid being deceived again. Only enter payment details on secure sites of retailers you recognize. And remember – if a deal seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Use your experience to become a smarter online consumer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Viral Facebook Shapewear Scam
What is this shapewear scam on Facebook?
This is a fraudulent scheme promoted through Facebook ads and elaborate fake websites. Scammers create ads for discounted shapewear and direct targets to phony store sites that steal their credit card information during checkout.
What are some telltale signs it’s a scam?
Warning signs include unrealistic discounts like 50% off, claims that the shapewear will magically transform your body, no indication of an actual business behind the site, and pressure to purchase quickly.
How are people tricked by this scam?
The scam ads seem authentic and lead to convincing fake sites that mimic real online stores. People don’t realize the sites are scams, enter their information thinking they are buying shapewear at a steep discount, and ultimately have their data stolen.
What happens after someone enters their credit card information?
Victims never receive the shapewear they purchased after entering their details. Their card information is used to make fraudulent purchases online or sold on the dark web. Or scammers steal their identity.
What should you do if your information was compromised?
Immediately contact your credit card company to report fraudulent charges. Monitor bank statements closely for any suspicious activity and have your current card cancelled. Check your credit reports regularly for any unfamiliar accounts opened in your name as well.
How can you avoid this shapewear scam?
Carefully research stores before purchasing, look for the warning signs of scams, and avoid entering payment info on sites you don’t trust fully. Only shop on the verified sites of reputable retailers. And remember – impossibly steep discounts are always too good to be true.
Can these scam ads be reported?
Yes, you can and should report suspicious Facebook ads by clicking the three dots icon in the top right corner. Select “Report Ad” and choose the reason. This helps Facebook identify and remove scams from the platform.
Conclusion
This viral shapewear scam on Facebook serves as an important reminder to use caution when evaluating deals online that seem too good to be true. The tactic of directing users to elaborate fake websites masquerading as online stores is a common scam technique to be aware of.
Always research unfamiliar companies to look for warning signs of a scam. Real businesses will have a notable online presence, contact info, and history outside of just a website. And no legitimate retailer can afford to offer items at a 50% discount overnight. If it seems unrealistic, trust your gut.
Never provide payment information unless you are on the verified website of a recognized retailer. Check that the URL matches the company name exactly. And know that real businesses will never pressure you to purchase something immediately.
With vigilance and awareness, users can help protect themselves from viral scams on Facebook. Report suspicious ads or activity so the platform can remove them. And use caution to ensure your hard-earned money goes toward legitimate purchases rather than lining the pockets of scammers. Stay informed and stay safe.
