Attention, online shoppers! 📢 A sneaky new scam is unfolding right before our eyes, and you need to know about it before you fall victim to it. Social media sleuths have just uncovered a scam operation on Instagram that involves fake accounts, false deposits, and disappearing acts that would leave even the most experienced shopper in shock. 🛑

Here’s how this scam works:

1. The Fake Page: A scammer creates a seemingly legitimate online shopping account on Instagram and starts sharing products—everything from clothing to gadgets—on their personal Facebook account. Their goal? To lure in unsuspecting customers by showcasing products that appear to be hot, trendy, or in-demand.
2. Deposit Request: Once a customer expresses interest in purchasing an item, the scammer asks for a deposit to “secure” the product. Seems normal, right? Well, that’s where the red flags start to appear.
3. Deceptive Referral: When customers ask for more information about the business or where they can find them online, the scammer sends them to a different, well-known and trusted business’s Instagram page. They claim it’s their own official account. At this point, most people—trusting the legitimacy of the brand they’re referred to—go ahead and send their deposits. After all, it’s a trusted name they’ve been led to believe is associated with the fake account.
4. The Ghosting: Once the deposit is sent, the scammer disappears. No product, no refund. Just silence. This leaves victims stranded, wondering how they were duped.
5. Uncovering the Truth: What started as one or two complaints quickly turned into a full-blown investigation. Social media users are now realizing that this isn’t just a one-off scam—it’s a well-coordinated, professional operation designed to trick online shoppers who are just trying to score a good deal.
   

    

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Why You Should Be Concerned:

While scams are nothing new, this one is particularly devious because it preys on our trust in well-established brands and social media influencers. The scammer’s use of fake referrals to established businesses means people are more likely to let their guard down. It’s an organized scam that’s proving to be both clever and dangerous.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always verify before paying: If you’re ever in doubt about an online store, check out their official website or the Instagram account that’s linked to their business. Double-check if they’re legit before sending any money.
• Avoid sending deposits: Legitimate businesses will rarely, if ever, ask for deposits upfront. If you’re asked to do so, that’s a huge red flag.
• Check reviews and complaints: Google the store name, read reviews, and see if any customers have reported scams or issues with them.
• Don’t rely on social media alone: Social media platforms can be hacked or faked. Always use multiple sources to verify the authenticity of an online shop.
• Report the page: If you think you’ve come across a scam, report the account to Instagram and warn others in your network.