Scam Websites Advertise Designer Shoes, but Send Customers Sponges [Video]

Scambook has released another weekly update to detail a number of scam websites that have made at least 800 victims and caused damages of over $85,000 (65,000 EUR).

Although the video they have made for this week is highly amusing, the topic it focuses on is not. A number of users have filed complaints about five websites that offer high-end designer shoes for very low prices: Shop-Cora.com, Anne-Shoes.com, Kelly-Mall.info, Rios Shoe Store and Fashion-Clothing-Mall.com.

Those who ordered items from these online shops didn’t receive the shoes they wanted. Instead, they got nicely wrapped sponges, toothbrushes, shower caps and pencils.

Apparently, the shady websites are based in China and there’s a very good reason why the crooks took the time to actually send something to their victims via mail.

This way they can generate a legitimate tracking number, making the victim believe that the package is on the way. Thus, there will not be enough time to open a PayPal dispute and recover the money.

The trick is that PayPal disputes can only be made within a 45-day period, so if the package comes later than that, the money is lost for good.

Luckily, those who fell for these types of scams and can’t be refunded by PayPal, can contest the charge with their credit card issuing company.