Internet Shopping Can Be Perilous. Here are a few survival tips.
I just received a pop-up ad for this cool-looking safari jacket. A little
common sense and further investigation revealed the ugly truth.
This ad was scientifically targeted at me because the Internet knows that I LOVE safari jackets. Indeed, just two weeks ago I purchased a summer-weight safari shirt from a reputable distributor. My first instinct was to consider adding this one to my collection... but then when I looked into this company I clearly saw more red flags than the Kremlin on May Day. What's wrong with this ad? What gave away the scam?
In no particular order--
49% OFF
Who can resist a sale, right? If you are seeing something for the first time and it is on sale, it might well be a fake sale. Ever notice how everything is always "on sale" at MACY'S and other traditional brick & mortar retailers at your local mall? If everything is always on sale, then nothing is actually on sale.
AI
This picture of the jacket above may or may not be AI, but it sure looks like it to me. Sometimes it's just a general feeling of un-real-ness, and sometimes it's some little detail that just isn't quite right, like THIS--
Either way, if they have to use AI to create a picture of their product, something might not be legit.
CHINGLISH
If you see a few basic grammatical, spelling, or syntax errors or just plain awkward phrases that read like a bad Chinese restaurant menu-- as in, say, "Deliciousness of Chickens with Exuberant Sauce"-- then that's another bright red flag.
PAYMENT METHODS
Scam sites want you to pay via PayPal because they get your money quicker and it's harder for you to get back. If you get to the checkout screen and find yourself being strongly encouraged to pay this way, you might be walking into a trap. Pro-Tip-- ALWAYS use Amex for online purchases... they stand behind their cardmembers and give them the benefit of the doubt in disputes.
RETURN POLICY
Here's where overseas scammers (i.e., CHINESE scammers) really show their chutzpah. The following is directly cut-and-pasted from the seller's website.
(Note the liberal use of Chinglish.)
Return & Refund Policy
Dear customer，
Thank you for your purchase. Your satisfaction is always what we strive for.
If you are not satisfied with the item you received, just contact us via email within 15 days after received the package. Here are the details of our Return and Exchange policy. Much appreciate for your carefully attention.
Preconditions for Returns & Exchanges
Your items are unworn, undamaged, in re-sellable condition.
Your return & exchange request can be submitted for the issues on quality, size and color only within 15 days of receiving your original order.
You will be responsible for the shipping costs returning your item. We advise to use a trackable shipping service and to purchase shipping insurance if the item is worth over $75.
Any orders that have already been packed or shipped cannot be cancelled.
Any items in the Clearance Sale cannot be changed or returned.
Any items damaged after use cannot be changed or returned.
Return & Exchange Policy
If a product is DOA (damaged on arrival) or shipped incorrectly, please kindly contact our mail Support firstly before you sent it back. Cause it must be returned to the exact outbound warehouse for refund or exchange.
Do not sent it directly to the address on the parcel. Maybe it’s one of the carrier’s transit warehouse, and which is not correct.
Note that the returning package must be postmarked within 14 calendar days from the date the shipping information shows you received.
Items must be returned with original packaging, manuals, and all accessories and documents provided by the manufacturer.
Refunds
Refunds will be processed within 7– 12 business days after the items arrived the warehouse and test OK. (Note: Refunds will not include the shipping costs once it was shipped.)
If it has been longer than two weeks, please Contact Us.
The refund will be made via the same payment method used to make the purchase.
The customer will be responsible for the bellowing conditions,
Loss and transport damage of the items.
High tariff unable to clear customs.
Address error unable to receive.
Any other Uncontrollable situation unable to receive.
As you can see, you are likely never, EVER getting your money refunded. And if you are still considering your purchase after THAT, we next refer you to...
THE COMMENT SECTION
Here's a sampling of genuine customer reviews of this company on TrustPilot:
SENT ME A PRODUCT WHICH WAS GROSSLY INFERIOR
Sent me a product which was not as described. Responded to my complaint with a form letter making excuses. Same response every time, then blocked me.Eventually got refunded by PayPal. I will never buy from them again. One star is too high a rating.
THIS IS A TERRIBLE COMPANY.
This is a terrible company. Not clear that your orders are being sent from China. Ordered a jacket and it took them a month to process my order. Received an email from them that my order was shipped, but it indicated they were shipping the wrong size. I have given up and considered my $ 70 order a loss. I would not order anything from them. A terrible experience!!!!!
BAD EXPERIENCE
sent wrong sizes, still waiting for a constructive response.The shopping cart flicks over to different sizes and wrong amounts when you leave. by the time you receive your confirmation you've already been charged
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE
they sent me Wrong model jacket, wrong color, wrong size
WELCOME TO SCAM CITY
The M65 Vietnam vintage jacket is advertised as authentic unissued US military wear. Not so. The jacket shipped has a label that reads European and American style military brigade. Pockets aren't deep. Lining reads NgeNious. And the XL fits like a Medium. Don't even bother trying to reach Customer Service.
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS SELLER
I received a product not even similar to the one for sale advertised on the site. very bad experience, jacket coming from China and not from the USA. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS SELLER
ABSOLUTE CON ARTISTS
Absolute con artists drop shipping rubbish from china which doesn't ever resemble the item advertised...1940s canvas motorcycle jacket turns up drop shipped out of China ...a cotton piece of crap that is worth about $5... Not the $76 I payed..... DO NOT ORDER ANYTHING FROM THESE CON ARTIST OBTAINING MONEY BY DECEPTION AND FALSE ADVERTISING
And if you STILL want to order this product, I can do no more to help you. Go for it. But if you still want a decent Safari Jacket, I happily refer you to a company called TAG Safari-- producers of great safari jackets and other sporting wear for those of us who love to dress well for outdoor adventures.
Our beloved co-driver Mr. E, rocking the African-made XXL TAG Safari jacket that I bought him for his
annual trip to his native Sudan. (For size reference, our model Mr. E has arms like legs, legs like people,
and could probably change a truck tire without a jack.)
TAG Safari has a motto— “Helping Africa Through Trade, Not Aid”— that reflects their commitment to improving lives and conditions in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa. I absolutely and enthusiastically recommend them and their products.
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