[email protected] Scam Stores – Fake Online Shops
[email protected] is an email address used by lots of fraudulent online stores. The network of online shopping sites lures buyers with discount but either delivers a cheap inferior item or nothing at all. Sometimes, the scam impersonates popular brands like Bed Bath Beyond, Calvin Klein, Clarks, Pink Lily, etc. All these are social engineering tactics to gain buyers trust and make people fall for the offer.
They also engage in bait and switch scam, subscription scams, and identity theft. This kind of scam became rampant since the COVID-19 pandemic, preying on online shoppers.
Who is [email protected]?
Paul Turae is a pseudo name used by the crooks behind this scam. They created a fake person with a believable gmail address, but there’s no real Paul Turae.
How The [email protected] Scam Works
[email protected] scam shopping sites have a six layer structure;
Uses Ads On Social Media With Discounts That are Too Good To Be Ignored
These fraudulent websites use ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These ads appear randomly on people’s pages with mouth-watering discounts.
Hooks Customers with Fake Reviews & Trust Budges
Aside from enticing customers with low prices, the scam also uses falsified reviews and Trust Badges which is easily gotten off the internet. They do this to increase the level of trust and make buyers lower their guards.
Uses A Recently Registered Website
The scammers always use a fresh website that is easy to dispose off. Sometimes they buy a domain that looks similar to that of popular brands; BedBathbeyondUs Pinklily-sale, etc. All to increase their chance of making people fall for their scam offer.
Displays a UK Address or Company
UK address or Companies are often used by the fake shopping sites. However, it’s just a virtual address, even the company often listed is easily registered on Companies House were you can register any kind of company for as low as $5.
Collects Payments and Disappears
Once the buyer make a payment the scammers completely vanishes. There’s no feedback or positive response.
Shuts Down The Website & Start A New One
Once there are lots of negative reviews online about a particular website, the scammers shut it down and it becomes inaccessible. Then they move on to another website, and start the structure again.
What To Do If You’re a Victim of [email protected] Scam
Contact Your bank To Cancel The Transaction and Get a Refund
The first thing you should do is contact your bank to inform them about the fraudulent purchase. Through the chargeback system, you can get your money back from the transaction if you file a dispute claim. You could also request for a credit card freeze. That way, your bank would block any future transactions on your credit card, ensuring that scammers are unable to exploit it.
Update Your Passwords and Enable Two Factor Authentication
The second step you should take is updating your passwords. This should be done if you’ve used the same password you used on the websites or applications. You should also go an extra step of enabling two-factor authentication. This would keep you protected from data breech.
Meanwhile, you should beware of any fraudulent email from [email protected]. Do not click on any suspicious link in the email, as it could be a phishing scam. Clicking on the link might install malware on your phone which could compromise your device’s security.
Report the Scam;
Report the scam to relevant authorities and organizations. This includes:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If you are in the United States, you can file a complaint with the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/.
- Your Local Consumer Protection Agency: Contact your local consumer protection agency or the equivalent regulatory body in your country.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the BBB if the online store is based in the United States.
How To Easily Identify a Scam Website This 2023
Aside from the obvious too good to be true discount sale, here are other ways to identify a scam website;
Recently Registered Website
How old is the website? The domain age of a website tells a lot about a store’s legitimacy or transparency. Websites below 6 months old are often considered unsafe. You can find out a website’s age by checking on Who.is ( a free domain checker tool)
Website Lacks SSL Encryption
find out if the website is secured with SSL encryption. (https and padlock symbols). If the padlock symbol doesn’t appear near the website’s URL, then it means your personal and financial information is at risk at the store.
No Business Address/ Fake Business Address
Does The website provide return address? If Yes (Copy the address and paste on your browser. Google map would show if it is a real warehouse address or a residential address) If the address has also been used by other websites you’d see reviews in search results.
No Reviews Online
Are there customer reviews online? (It is advised that you sit it out if there are no customer reviews of the store. However if you’re not patient enough to wait you can send a mail to us to verify if the store is legit)
Shady or No Returns and Refund policy
If the policy isn’t available or if it isn’t clear, you should quit shopping.
Unsecure methods of Payment
When an online store’s payment methods lack the necessary encryption and security measures to protect customers’ sensitive financial information, it puts you – the shopper at risk of unauthorized transactions.
Conclusion:
[email protected] is an email address used by fraudulent online stores. The structure of this scam starts with a recently registered website, discount sales offer, and ends with the website shutting down after receiving bulk payment from buyers.
The sad thing about this scam is that it’s an offshore scam so it is difficult apprehending the scammers. However, all hope is not lost. If you’re a victim, kindly report the scam to authorities like the FTC and IC3 immediately.
Collect evidence like ads and screenshots. You should also dispute credit card payments as fraudulent with your bank.
