Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become breeding grounds for an alleged new scam targeting beauty enthusiasts with fake Dior products. These ads, often promising huge discounts or buy-one-get-one-free deals, lure unsuspecting shoppers into a trap that seems too good to be true.
One Reddit user recently shared their experience on the subreddit r/beautytalkph, a community where Filipino beauty enthusiasts share their reviews, recommendations, and experiences with different makeup and skincare brands.
READ: Reddit User Warns Against Alleged Fake Dior Scam
The user, intrigued by an ad for discounted Dior products, clicked on what appeared to be an official SM Mall page. The link included in the post directed them to a counterfeit Dior website that requested personal information, including their name, address, and phone number.
"I signed up for some portions of my details and nakita ko naman na walang [credit card] or debit part so I said di naman siguro ako sisingilin agad rito. I was just doing it because I was curious," she wrote in her post. She assumed that without providing billing information, nothing would come of it. However, she soon realized her mistake when a delivery rider arrived immediately the next day with the ordered products.
To the user's shock, the scammers had bypassed the need for credit card details by using a Cash-On-Delivery (COD) payment method. Feeling sorry for the rider, who was unaware of the scam, the Reddit user paid the P1,350 fee for what turned out to be reportedly fake Dior Lip Glow products.
"Binigyan ko yung sarili ko ng assurance na di naman siguro to darating dahil again, di ko naman nilagay billing details ko. And come today, biglang may rider na tumawag sakin na may order raw akong P1350. It was the lip glow. And it looked fake. I was bewildered and in denial to be honest. Pero ayoko namang maipit yung rider na wala namang kasalanan so I still paid him," she recounted in her post.
I actually came across one of these scams myself, but this time, including ads for fake Miss Dior and Dior Sauvage fragrances. These ads were posted by pages impersonating legitimate businesses, such as "SM City North EDSA."
This page not only advertised allegedly fake products but also posted (what seems to be) real ads, sales, and cinema schedules that they may have took from the legitimate SM page, making it difficult for the untrained eye to spot the scam. Ahead, we share some tips on how you can avoid these kinds scams in the future.
Tips to Avoid Online Scams
1. Verify the Source
Always check the legitimacy of the page or website. Look for verified badges on social media accounts and compare URLs to the official website.
2. Be Skeptical of Deals
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. High-end brands like Dior rarely offer significant discounts or promotions through social media ads.
3. Research Before Buying
Search for reviews and experiences from other customers. If others have been scammed, it’s likely someone has shared their experience online.
4. Check Contact Information
Legitimate businesses will have clear and verified contact information. If the contact details seem suspicious or are hard to find, be cautious.
5. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
Be wary of sites asking for unnecessary personal details. Legitimate sites will only request information necessary for your purchase.
By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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