Scammers are creating fake adverts on social media in which they impersonate well-known brands. We are currently seeing many examples on Facebook where popular Belgian fashion and clothing brands are being imitated, such as Caroline Biss, Marie Jo, Marie Méro, Mayerline, Bioracer and others.
The adverts often promise exceptional discounts, up to 80%. In reality, they lead to fake online shops or suspicious websites that have nothing to do with the genuine brand.
Scammers copy the style, photos, logos or names of well-known brands to appear trustworthy. They then place adverts on social media, often featuring a striking discount or an urgent message such as ‘last chance’, ‘clearance sale’ or ‘limited-time offer’.
Anyone who clicks on the advert is taken to a fake online shop or a page where you are asked to enter your personal or payment details.
How to spot a fake advert
Be particularly wary of adverts that:
- promise very large discounts, such as 70% or 80%;
- use well-known brands but redirect to an unknown website;
- apply pressure with messages such as “only a few left” or “offer ends today”;
- use a web address that does not match the brand’s official website.
If you’re unsure, don’t click through the advert to the online shop; instead, type the brand’s official web address into your browser yourself.
What can you do?
- Don’t just click on adverts offering exceptional discounts.
- Always check that you’re on the brand’s official website.
- Carefully compare the web address with the official one.
- Check the brand’s official website or social media to see if the promotion is genuine.
- Report fake adverts on the social media platform where you see them.
- Forward any suspicious messages, links or websites to suspicious@safeonweb.be.
Have you clicked?
Have you clicked on a suspicious advert? If so, do not enter any details and cancel the payment. If you have already entered details, be extra vigilant for suspicious phone calls, emails or text messages.
Been scammed?
Take action now: https://safeonweb.be/en/victim-scam
Protect yourself and others
Fake adverts can look very convincing. By checking before you click or pay, you can avoid a lot of problems.
Talk about it with friends and family and share this warning. That way, together we can help spot online scams more quickly.
