Social Data Media Limited Reviews – A Network of Scam Stores
“Social Data Media Limited” which is allegedly located in Hong Kong is not a legit company. It is a fraudulent company linked to many scam websites & online stores. This dubious company lures customers with discount sales, clearance sales, etc but fails to deliver the items after payments are made.
If you’re considering shopping from an online store that has named Social Data Media Limited as it’s parents company, please STOP! Read these reviews first.
How The Social Data Media Limited Scam Works
The scammers behind this fake company set us multiple online stores, and then scam buyers using the following formats –
Displays Unrealistic Discounts
The scam uses massive discounts as a bait to get customers. People are always spurred to make a purchase when they think they’re getting a great deal, especially when the discount is higher than elsewhere.
Convinces Buyers with Fake Reviews
On the comment section of the posts there are comments and reviews from people posing as satisfied customers. However, the profiles are fake and the reviews were scripted to create a sense of authenticity.
Creates a False Sense of Product Scarcity
By promoting limited-time offers the scammers create a sense of urgency, thereby motivating people to take advantage of the offer before the timer runs out. This is just another trick to increase sales. There’s really no time limit. When the stipulate time ends, the count down timer starts from beginning.
Scams Customers and Absconds
After getting people to place an order, the scammers behind Social Data Media Limited scam stores either deliver an inferior product or nothing at all.
Social Data Media Limited Reviews and Complaints
There are lots of complaints from customers who shopped from online stores linked to Social Data Media Limited. 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. Below are some of the reviews sent to us-
- ” I was scammed also , I ordered a ice maker colt red they set me a tiny plastic blue ice tray with a lid not what I purchased buyer beware . I will follow up with my bank institution . This website should and needs to be shut down we all need help with being refunded period”
- ” I ordered two dresses from them and they were horrible-weird fabric and weird fit. Tried to get a refund and then refused. Don’t fall for their ads”
- Bought a Double 18 volt Rechargeable refrigerator on June 20th and was charged even $10 for shipping and nothing came so I’m calling my capital one card company to tell them this fraud and also have bought clothing that never came too!!!!!
What To Do If You’re A Victim Of Social Data Media Limited Scam Stores
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 the store. 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.
Easy Steps To Protect Yourself From Social Data Media Limited Online Shopping Scam This 2023
According to FTC, online shopping fraud is the most reported fraud category of 2023. Below are steps to take in order to stay safe and avoid this kind of scam;
Check the Domain age – How old is the website? (You can do so by visiting who.is)
Website Security Check – find out if the website is secured with SSL encryption. (https and padlock symbols).
Find Out Its Physical Location – 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)
Check For Reviews – 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)
Beware of the returns and refund policy before purchasing – If the policy isn’t available or if it isn’t favorable to customers, you should quit shopping.
Use secure methods of payment that protect the buyer – payments portals like PayPal make it easy to get your money back.
Conclusion
Social Data Media Limited is a scam Hong Kong based company linked to fraudulent online stores. The structure of the scam starts with discount sales offer, and ends with failure to deliver items bought by customers.
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.
