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Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning online shoppers of a Ray-Ban scam that is tempting Instagram users with promises of a 90% discount.
One advertisement in particular touted Wayfarers for $24.99; on the official Ray-Ban website, Wayfarers range between $150 and $190. The advertisements lead to various websites, all shoddy imitations of the legitimate online Ray-Ban store.
Although tempting, shoppers are urged to exercise extreme caution when deals seem too good to be true. Typically when purchases on websites such as these are made, the products are either counterfeit, or never delivered at all.
In addition to losing money, consumers also put their financial information at risk by entering credit card numbers and billing details on unsecure websites that may be ran by internet criminals.
Better Business Bureau reached out to Ray-Ban on Twitter, and the business advised to only use ray-ban.com to guarantee a safe purchase.
Victims of counterfeit product scams should report them online at BBB Scam Tracker or by contacting your local BBB.
Tips to avoid a counterfeit product scam:
1. Avoid deals that are too good to be true. When doing your online shopping, you may be tempted by heavily discounted high-end merchandise, but do not take the bait! Internet criminals tempt victims with well-known products at a great price.
2. Know how to verify the legitimacy of the website. Look for things like spelling and grammatical errors, links that lead to nowhere, or distorted images and logos. Learn more tips for smart shopping online
3. Use a credit card. Generally, your credit card will offer additional protection that your debit card will not. If you use a credit card, you can dispute the transaction within 60 business days if something goes wrong with your order.
What to do if you have been a victim:
Those who suspect they have made a purchase on a fraudulent website should contact their financial institution to attempt to dispute the charge. Report scams to your local Better Business Bureau at BBB Scam Tracker.
BBB Serving Northeast California contributed this article.
