Black Friday and Cyber Monday: warning about fake stores
In view of discount campaigns such as Black Friday (24.11.) or Cyber Monday (27.11.), the consumer advice center and the State Office of Criminal Investigation in Rhineland-Palatinate have warned against fraudsters and specifically against fake stores in online retail. These shops lure customers with low prices, especially on special offer days, but then fail to deliver the promised goods. According to the police, payment often has to be made in advance and to a foreign bank account. Afterwards, people wait in vain and the supposed dealers cannot be contacted. Increasingly, dubious offers are also being advertised on social networks.
According to the LKA, fake stores are difficult to expose. However, there are a few indications of fraud. For example, unbeatably cheap offers should be treated with skepticism. Even if an online store does not provide an imprint or the only payment option is prepayment, you should not order there. The consumer advice center's fake store finder can also be consulted. Anyone who has already fallen for an online scam should contact their bank as soon as possible and file a criminal complaint with the police, it said.
Consumers should be wary of overly cheap deals from unknown Internet stores during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as these could potentially be fake, leading to non-delivery of goods and misuse of payment. Additionally, the rise of dubious offers on social networks highlights the need for consumers to thoroughly research and verify any potential online retailer before making a purchase.
Source: www.dpa.com
