It started with a social media ad announcing a once-in-a-lifetime Tommy Bahama sale with up to 90% off online. All your favorite dresses, swimsuits, coverups, and silk shirts by the popular designer supposedly marked down to prices like $50 and $60 max. Skeptical yet intrigued after seeing convincing brand logos and marketing, you click and start shopping. You can’t believe the merchandise is just $29, $39, $49 when the pricing has clearly been photoshopped from the original $200 to $400. But the website looks so legit, surely this clearance sale has to be the real thing. After entering your credit card details and personal information, your great deals begin shipping soon…or do they?
What ultimately arrives (or doesn’t) from the Tommy Bahama 90% off social media scam reveals an intricate deception designed to steal your money and identity. In this article, we expose the truth behind these viral clearance sale ads and sites that may fool even savvy shoppers. You’ll learn exactly how the intricately designed Tommy Bahama scams work and how to avoid becoming the next victim. Just don’t expect that $29 silk shirt to end up anything but payment for a hard lesson learned.
Overview of the Tommy Bahama 90% Off Clearance Sale Scam
The popular resort wear brand, Tommy Bahama, is known for its high-quality silk shirts, shorts, dresses, swimwear and other luxurious island-inspired apparel and accessories. Tommy Bahama targets an older demographic – men and women over 40 with disposable income who frequent tropical locales. With price tags ranging from $100 to $300 for most items, Tommy Bahama is considered an aspirational yet accessible luxury lifestyle brand.
While Tommy Bahama does occasionally offer legitimate clearance sales on past season merchandise at its outlet stores and website, the discounts rarely exceed 50-60% off original prices even on outdated products. However, scam artists have been exploiting the brand’s popularity and reputation for quality by creating convoluted schemes offering Tommy Bahama merchandise for up to 90% off retail prices.
These scammers impersonate the Tommy Bahama company by designing fake websites and setting up social media ads that appear surprisingly legitimate at first glance. The scam pages display the familiar Tommy Bahama logo, font, and product photography. The scam ads even showcase models wearing Tommy Bahama clothing in what look like official photo shoots.
At the outset, the clearance sale offers seem almost too good to be true – Tommy Bahama sundresses for $39 instead of $378, Tommy Bahama coverups for $49 rather than $488. The ads promise deals like “75% to 90% off everything” and “warehouse clearance sale”. Once shoppers click through to the websites, they are met with further deceit in the form of countdown timers and limited quantity warnings that urge them to purchase immediately before the deals vanish.
Some examples of the unbelievable low prices displayed on recent Tommy Bahama scam sites include:
- Tommy Bahama floral silk midi dress – sale price $29.99 compared to $398 suggested retail
- Tommy Bahama mens crinkle chino pants – sale price $39.99 compared to $288 suggested retail
- Tommy Bahama woven tunic coverup – sale price $49.99 compared to $478 suggested retail
At these prices, victims feel like they are stealing by stocking up on high-end Tommy Bahama apparel that normally sells for 5 to 10 times more. However, the reality is quite the opposite – they themselves are being scammed and stolen from.
While the sophisticated fake websites manage to initially trick customers by mimic the Tommy Bahama branding so closely, certain inconsistencies become apparent upon closer inspection:
- Suspicious URLs – urls contain misspellings or extra words (tomibahamawearhouse.com for example)
- Absurd discounts of up to 90% off current season merchandise
- Stock product photos copied from the real Tommy Bahama website
- Countdown timers and limited quantity messages that pressure shoppers
- No working customer service phone numbers or physical addresses
- No social media links or reviews to be found
The massive clearance sale discounts of up to 90% off should be the first red flag. As a high-end retailer, Tommy Bahama rarely offers prices slashed so low, even on outdated stock. The fact that current in-season items are supposedly up to 90% off MSRP should instantly alert consumers that something is amiss.
However, the scammers rely on the perceived urgency created by the ticking countdown timers and limited quantity alerts to encourage shoppers to suspend disbelief and make impulse buys. The idea of scoring coveted Tommy Bahama merchandise valued at hundreds of dollars for just $29, $39 or $49 overriding logical thinking for many victims.
Unfortunately, after hastily placing orders without proper vetting, customers soon discover the harsh reality. No merchandise arrives, and credit cards are charged for items that do not exist. Any attempts to contact customer service go unanswered, as the sites provide no legitimate phone or address.
At this point, victims realize they have fallen for an intricate scam designed to steal their money and personal information under the guise of an exclusive Tommy Bahama warehouse clearance sale. The warning signs were there, but the scammers unfortunately did their job in making the deals appear authentic at first glance.
How the Tommy Bahama Clearance Sale 90% Off Scam Works
The scammers behind the Tommy Bahama social media clearance sale ads go to great lengths to make the deals appear authentic. Here is a step-by-step look at how this scam operates:
1. Fake social media ads are created
The scammers set up Facebook, Instagram and TikTok ads showcasing leaked photos of upcoming Tommy Bahama clothing lines. The ads announce clearance sales with up to 90% off everything. To lend credibility, they use the Tommy Bahama logo and showcase models wearing recognizable Tommy Bahama style clothing.
The ads target women over 40 who are the typical Tommy Bahama customer demographic. Location targeting focuses on warmer southern states where the resortwear is especially popular.
2. Shoppers click dubious links
When potential victims click on the social media ads, they are redirected to sophisticated scam websites designed to mimic official Tommy Bahama outlet pages. The URLs appear similar to the real site, but upon closer inspection, contain misspellings or extra words (tommibahamawearhouse.com for example).
The scam sites feature all the Tommy Bahama branding, logos, navigation links and product categories as the real website. However, the huge clearance sale banners clearly signify something suspicious for the brand.
3. Scam sites entice victims to purchase
The scam websites advertise blowout clearance sales with most items discounted 90% off original prices. Tank tops for $29 instead of $298. Sundresses for $39 instead of $378. Swim coverups for $49 rather than $488.
To lend credibility, the sites showcase stolen product photos of real Tommy Bahama items. Prices seem unbelievable, but appear alongside convincing banners reading “Going out of business sale”, “Last chance for 90% off” and “All sales final”.
Victims rush to purchase, believing they have found an amazing clearance sale before Tommy Bahama catches on. There are countdown timers and “limited supply” warnings that urge shoppers to buy quickly before the unbelievable deals disappear.
4. Shoppers enter personal and payment information
At checkout, victims enter personal details like name, address and email on unsecured sites run by unknown scammers. Alarm bells should be sounding as shoppers hand over credit card information, however the chance to snag $500 Tommy Bahama dresses for just $49 overrides common sense.
In the rush, customers fail to research the site and don’t notice the lack of contact information or security certifications. All they see is the Tommy Bahama branding and the massive discounts.
5. No orders are fulfilled
After checkout, happy shoppers eagerly await their shipments of deeply discounted designer clothing. However, the packages never arrive. At this point, victims try to reach customer service to inquire about their orders.
But there are no working phone numbers on the sites – only fake 1-800 numbers or numbers that lead to disconnected voicemails. The physical addresses are also phony. And emails to the company go unreturned.
That’s when the scary reality sets in – they’ve provided credit card details and personal information to anonymous scammers running a sophisticated fake clearance sale. The amazing deals were completely fraudulent.
6. Victims are left empty-handed
In the end, scam victims are left empty handed without the Tommy Bahama products they ordered and without the hard-earned money they paid. Their sensitive personal and credit card information is now in the hands of criminals who quickly switch to new scam websites.
While victims can attempt to get fraudulent charges reversed through their bank, it’s an inconvenient, time-consuming process. Even worse, their stolen personal information can be used for identity theft down the road.
The Tommy Bahama clearance sale scam serves as a sobering reminder that unbelievable online deals are often too good to be true – especially when they come from random social media ads.
How to Identify Tommy Bahama 90% Off Scam Websites
With online scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, it can be tricky to discern legitimate ecommerce sites from fraudulent ones. However, upon closer inspection, the Tommy Bahama 90% off scam websites share many red flags that savvy shoppers should watch out for:
Suspicious and Misspelled URLs
The domains used in the scam attempt to mimic the real Tommy Bahama site, but look closely and you’ll notice something is off. Examples include:
- tommybahamasale.com
- tommybahamaonline.co
- tommy-bahamaoutletstore.net
- bahamastommy.com
Notice the misspellings like “bahamasale” and inversion of “tommy bahama”. The URLs may include “-outlet”, “-warehouse”, “-online”, or other extra words. Basically, anything other than the simple tommybahama.com should be scrutinized.
Missing Contact Information
On the scam sites, you won’t find a real physical address, customer service number, email or social media links. At most, a dubious email like “support@tommybahamasale.com” is provided, but no responses will be received.
This lack of legitimate contact information should immediately raise suspicion. Tommy Bahama is a large company that prides itself on customer service.
Ridiculous Discounts Up to 90% Off
As mentioned, the real Tommy Bahama rarely offers more than 50% off past season products, even in outlet clearance sales. Discounts of 75% to 90% off year-round are unrealistic for this premium brand.
Seeing current in-season merchandise supposedly priced at 90% below MSRP is a huge red flag. For example, a $298 silk dress discounted to $29.99 or a $248 shirt discounted to $29.99.
High Pressure Tactics
The scam websites utilize tactics like countdown timers and warnings of “limited quantities!” to pressure shoppers into urgent purchases. But ask yourself, would the real Tommy Bahama brand resort to these high pressure strategies?
This manufactured urgency is designed to bypass logical thinking.
Stolen Product Images
The scam sites display stolen product photos pulled directly from the real Tommy Bahama website. All merchandise will be pictured on models or in studio settings.
There will be no original photos of actual inventory or warehouse settings to corroborate a true “closing down” type sale.
Enticing Yet Vague Slogans
Be wary of language like:
- “Going out of business”
- “Last chance for 90% off”
- “Clearance sale – limited time only!”
- “Warehouse blowout clearance”
These enticing slogans promise unbelievable deals without offering details on why such discounts are being offered in the first place.
By watching for these red flags, customers can more easily identify fraudulent Tommy Bahama sale sites and protect their information. When in doubt, stick to the official brand website tommybahama.com to avoid clearance sale scams.
How to Identify Tommy Bahama 90% Off Scam Ads on Social Media
In addition to fraudulent websites, the Tommy Bahama clearance scam also relies on fake advertisements run on popular social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Here’s what to watch out for on each:
- Ads promising up to “90% Off”, “75% off”, “50-90% off” Tommy Bahama merchandise
- Vague slogans like “Wharehouse Blowout Sale”, “Store Closing Sale”, “Final Markdowns”
- Photos of models wearing Tommy Bahama clothing or catalog product shots
- Links to suspicious URLs like “tommybahamaoutletshop.com”
- No links to verified Tommy Bahama social media accounts
- Comments may be disabled to prevent warnings from other users
- Instagram photo posts advertising up to “90% off” Tommy Bahama
- Stories or reels showcasing Tommy Bahama clothing with big “Sale!” graphics
- High pressure tactics like “Today Only!” and “Going Out of Business”
- Links in bio direct to questionable sites like “tommybahamablowout.com”
- No verification checkmark or tags linking the real @tommybahama account
- Limited followers and no engagement on scam account posts
TikTok
- Video ads with Tommy Bahama brand logos and clothing
- Text overlaying videos advertise “Warehouse Sale! Up to 90% off”
- Scam accounts have generic names like @tommybahamadeals rather than official branding
- Links in bios to sketchy URLs or redirects like bit.ly links
- Comment sections turned off to avoid warnings from followers
- Lack of followers/verification for accounts running the scam ads
The bottom line – legitimate brands do not run online ads promoting clearance sales of up to 90% off across social media. Tommy Bahama would advertise any official sales through their verified social accounts. Scrutinize the advertiser rather than the flashy deals being promoted.
What to Do if You Have Fallen Victim to the Tommy Bahama 90% Off Scam
If you placed an order through one of the Tommy Bahama clearance sale scam websites and never received your items, here are important steps to take right away:
- Contact your bank or credit card company – Report the fraudulent charges and request a chargeback. Provide any order confirmation emails and screenshots as evidence. This is the quickest way to get your money back.
- Place fraud alerts – Contact the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to place fraud alerts on your credit reports. This warns creditors of suspicious activity.
- Monitor financial accounts – Closely monitor all bank and credit card statements for any further unauthorized charges by the scammers.
- Change passwords – If you used the same password on the scam site as you do for other accounts, change it immediately to prevent access.
- Beware of phishing attempts – Scammers may send fake “order update” emails with links prompting you to enter personal information. Do not click on any links.
- Report the scam – File a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and notify the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Also warn friends and family, especially those targeted by the social media ads.
- Search your name online – Search your name online to see if any personal details like address or phone number were posted on people search sites or data breach sites. Opt out or request removal as needed.
- Consider credit monitoring – Sign up for credit monitoring to be alerted if scammers open new accounts in your name. This can catch identity theft early.
With immediate action, victims can stop fraudulent charges in their tracks, prevent major identity theft headaches, and avoid being scammed again in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tommy Bahama Clearance Sale Scam
1. Why are these Tommy Bahama sales offering items so cheap?
The Tommy Bahama brand is known for premium resort wear with typical retail prices of $100 to $300 per item. Clearance sales directly through Tommy Bahama rarely offer more than 50-60% off original prices.
So when you see social media ads for Tommy Bahama merchandise discounted up to 90% off, claiming to offer items for only $29, $39 or $49 – it should immediately raise suspicions. Tommy Bahama would be losing massive amounts of money at those rates.
These prices that seem too good to be true are a tactic used by scammers running the fake Tommy Bahama sales. The huge discounts are intended to entice victims based on impulse and disbelief.
2. How can I tell if a Tommy Bahama sale website is real or fake?
Here are some tips for spotting scam Tommy Bahama sale websites:
- Fake URLs with misspellings or extra words
- No working contact info beyond an email
- Ridiculously low prices like 90% off
- Stolen product images
- Countdown timers or limited quantity messages
- No physical address for warehouses
The official Tommy Bahama site will be tommybahama.com. Tommy Bahama is also present on all major social platforms if you want to validate accounts.
3. What happens if I order from a fraudulent Tommy Bahama sale?
If you place an order through a scam Tommy Bahama website, your items will never arrive. The sites are not actually shipping products or closing down inventory.
However, the scammers will charge your credit card for the order. They now have your personal details and credit card to commit further fraud.
You will receive no customer support, as the sites provide no legitimate contact information. Any emails you send will go unreturned.
4. How can I get my money back if I am scammed?
If you realize you have fallen victim to a Tommy Bahama scam website, immediately contact your credit card company and request the charges be reversed for fraud. Provide as much evidence as possible.
Also place fraud alerts on your credit reports, monitor your statements closely for further unauthorized charges, and be vigilant about phishing attempts going forward.
5. Should I report the Tommy Bahama scam?
Absolutely. If you come across any fraudulent Tommy Bahama sales, report the ads or websites immediately:
- Report to Facebook, Instagram or TikTok if the scam originated there
- File an online complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
- Submit a scam report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center
The more reports that are filed, the more likely these scams will be shut down to prevent new victims.
6. How do I avoid Tommy Bahama clearance scams in the future?
Stick to the official Tommy Bahama website for any sales or clearance deals. Do research before providing payment or personal details to unfamiliar sites.
Beware of social media ads from accounts not verified as Tommy Bahama. And remember – if an offer seems too good to be true, it almost always is. Trust your instincts over “limited time only” pressures.
The Bottom Line – Is the Tommy Bahama 90% Off Clearance Sale Real?
Have you ever seen an unbelievable clearance sale online and thought – this is too good to be true, right? That’s exactly what you should be thinking when you come across social media ads for Tommy Bahama merchandise at up to 90% off.
This is a scam, plain and simple.
Let’s break it down – Tommy Bahama is a premium, luxury brand that targets affluent customers willing to pay top dollar for resortwear. Clearance items rarely go below 50% off, even at the outlet. So the idea that silk shirts and cashmere sweaters would be marked down 90% – to just $29 or $39 – is laughable. Tommy Bahama would be losing hundreds on every sale.
These scam ads are designed to hijack the trendy, aspirational reputation of Tommy Bahama. But one look at the misspelled URLs and total lack of contact info should raise every red flag. Would a billion dollar brand liquidate its inventory through an anonymous, patched together website?
Don’t let the ticking countdown timers pressure you. Take a pause before clicking purchase. Ask yourself – if I hand over my credit card to this sketchy site, what are the odds I’ll actually get a $500 dress for $49…or just have my identity stolen? Trust your instincts. Because if it seems too good to be true, well, you know the rest.
