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Scam websites [Read before posting..'has anyone used/bought from..'?]

  • 13-07-2008 11:07pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 36,634 ✭✭✭✭


    There seems to be a great deal of posts asking whether such and such a site is legitimate. Here are the signs that you should be avoiding it.
    • Site accepts Western Union or bank transfer only as payment.
    • Site is poorly designed, nasty flash text and poor navigation.
    • Poor grammar.
    • Contact emails used are hotmail, yahoo, or other web based providers.
    • Domain is recently purchased.

    When in doubt, drop the URL into Google Search and normally it will show up results of where they have been found out or other users opinions. Feel free to add stuff here then I will clean up every once in a while and add to original post. Thanks and be safe!

    Bargain Alerts team.


«134

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,168 ✭✭✭TM


    Might also be worth checking sites such as http://www.resellerratings.com/ for reviews of the sites in question? Pure scam sites as well as genuine sites with customer service issues may well be identified quickly on such sites.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 687 ✭✭✭rgfuller


    Many of these scam sites also have pictures showing their fake offices/warehouses.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,429 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    Just to add - if it's too good to be true then it is.

    Avoid it like the plague.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,867 ✭✭✭lorweld


    I found this site too which may be of help to somebody! You can check the credit rating of Uk and Irish based companies

    http://www.checkrate.co.uk/data_services.php?page=verified_business_registration
    Its worth credit checking companies before placing orders on their web-sites or over the phone etc. So you can be sure that they will be there to deliver the goods, especially if you are paying by debit card (if they go bust before they ship your order and you have paid by debit card, you can just about wave good-bye to your hard earned).

    With the current economic climate more and more desperate people are setting up bogus companies or legitimate (but failing ones) taking OUR money then going bust


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 12,806 Mod ✭✭✭✭Keano


    Ruu, I presume when you said add to here that people can post a link to site that is a scam and should be avoided? I just don't want to be post bogus websites and making extra work for you.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,241 ✭✭✭god's toy


    Some can look s good as this and yet are still fake. http://theunbelievablegiftcompany.co.uk/Default.aspx


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 612 ✭✭✭bobbyg


    Not sure if this has been posted before but has to be a scam on carzone.ie.
    I emailed to different sellers about cars that seemed like great value and this is the reply I got BOTH times by different sellers.

    BMW 318Ci Coupe 2002

    The price is 4800 euros
    Petrol, 2 doors, manual transmission, silver.
    ABS, Air Con., Airbags, Alarm, Alloys, CD, Cruise Control, Fogs, Immobiliser, Leather, Metallic Paint, Side Airbags
    Excellent Condition, the car was kept in a garage , it has BMW service book,the tires have been changed recently, and doesn't need repairings.It has no engine problem, no scratches.
    Registered in Ireland .The car is at the moment in Liverpool, UK.
    I live in the USA, I bought the car for my brother who lived in Ireland and then moved to UK. Unfortunately he died recently and I cannot take the car with me.
    You do not have to pay any taxes for this car. It is very easy to register it to your name .
    I have all the documents ready for sale. The car documents are on my name, so it is very simple.
    As payment I only accept cash and we will have to meet in Liverpool for the sale.

    Thank you and I hope you will decide to buy my car.
    Here are some photos.

    Many thanks,Ann.

    2002 Audi A3 Ambiente
    Price : 4100 euro

    Option : NCT 01/2010, Tax 08/2008, ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Airbags, Alloys, Car Alarm, CD / Radio, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Full Service History, Ipod Compatible, Lady Owner, Metallic Paint, Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, Sunroof

    Excellent Condition, the car was kept in a garage , it has Audi service book,the tires have been changed recently, and doesn't need repairings.It has no engine problem, no scratches.
    Registered in Ireland .The car is at the moment in Liverpool, UK.
    I live in the USA, I bought the car for my brother who lived in Ireland and then moved to UK. Unfortunately he died recently and I cannot take the car with me.
    You do not have to pay any taxes for this car. It is very easy to register it to your name .
    I have all the documents ready for sale. The car documents are on my name, so it is very simple.
    As payment I only accept cash and we will have to meet in Liverpool for the sale.

    Thank you and I hope you will decide to buy my car.
    Here are some photos.


  • Registered Users Posts: 821 ✭✭✭bored_newbie


    I ordered a dvd triple pack on http://www.dvdi.co.uk on July 10th. Still no sign of it and their website just says:


    Site Currently Unavailable

    DVDi.co.uk is temporarily unavailable.

    Please email sales@dvdi.co.uk with any enquiries.




    I emailed them yesterday and no reply as yet. Anyone else order from them?


    Some more bad experiences from others: http://www.dvd.reviewer.co.uk/forums/thread.asp?Forum=222&Thread=647709


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,389 ✭✭✭✭Saruman


    god's toy wrote: »
    Some can look s good as this and yet are still fake. http://theunbelievablegiftcompany.co.uk/Default.aspx

    Thats a nice site, someone should buy it and make it legit :D
    I think BBC's Watchdog set it up to show how easy it is to be scammed.

    the whois details are eh... "unbelievable"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,987 ✭✭✭✭ShaneU


    Anyone know if this site is fake? http://www.xboxliveuk76.com/

    They're selling xbox live subscriptions at under half price.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,836 ✭✭✭Vokes


    Dunno if it's fake but i'd certainly steer clear of it.

    No contact details (just a form to fill out) on the Contact page would raise alarm bells.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,168 ✭✭✭TM


    They also have an email address (link at the top of the page):

    dobrytata@gmail.com

    That, the site name xboxlive76 (why 76?!!?) and the arguably "too good to be true" offer would make you wonder about the legitimacy of the site alright


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,097 ✭✭✭✭zuroph


    bobbyg wrote: »
    Not sure if this has been posted before but has to be a scam on carzone.ie.
    I emailed to different sellers about cars that seemed like great value and this is the reply I got BOTH times by different sellers.

    BMW 318Ci Coupe 2002

    The price is 4800 euros
    Petrol, 2 doors, manual transmission, silver.
    ABS, Air Con., Airbags, Alarm, Alloys, CD, Cruise Control, Fogs, Immobiliser, Leather, Metallic Paint, Side Airbags
    Excellent Condition, the car was kept in a garage , it has BMW service book,the tires have been changed recently, and doesn't need repairings.It has no engine problem, no scratches.
    Registered in Ireland .The car is at the moment in Liverpool, UK.
    I live in the USA, I bought the car for my brother who lived in Ireland and then moved to UK. Unfortunately he died recently and I cannot take the car with me.
    You do not have to pay any taxes for this car. It is very easy to register it to your name .
    I have all the documents ready for sale. The car documents are on my name, so it is very simple.
    As payment I only accept cash and we will have to meet in Liverpool for the sale.

    Thank you and I hope you will decide to buy my car.
    Here are some photos.

    Many thanks,Ann.

    2002 Audi A3 Ambiente
    Price : 4100 euro

    Option : NCT 01/2010, Tax 08/2008, ABS Brakes, Air Conditioning, Airbags, Alloys, Car Alarm, CD / Radio, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Full Service History, Ipod Compatible, Lady Owner, Metallic Paint, Power Steering, Remote Central Locking, Sunroof

    Excellent Condition, the car was kept in a garage , it has Audi service book,the tires have been changed recently, and doesn't need repairings.It has no engine problem, no scratches.
    Registered in Ireland .The car is at the moment in Liverpool, UK.
    I live in the USA, I bought the car for my brother who lived in Ireland and then moved to UK. Unfortunately he died recently and I cannot take the car with me.
    You do not have to pay any taxes for this car. It is very easy to register it to your name .
    I have all the documents ready for sale. The car documents are on my name, so it is very simple.
    As payment I only accept cash and we will have to meet in Liverpool for the sale.

    Thank you and I hope you will decide to buy my car.
    Here are some photos.

    can someone explain to me how this scam would proceed?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,429 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    zuroph wrote: »
    can someone explain to me how this scam would proceed?
    Certain things are better left unsaid.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,479 ✭✭✭Kamili


    zuroph wrote: »
    can someone explain to me how this scam would proceed?


    There was a radio programme about this recently, can't remember if it was joe duffy or on spin 1038 but they went into the details on it.

    The magazines/websites usually put out a warning about that type of thing, tis scary what people do to try get money...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,053 ✭✭✭✭Stark


    zuroph wrote: »
    can someone explain to me how this scam would proceed?

    It's the Liverpool tourism guys. It's a scam to get you to visit Liverpool.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,097 ✭✭✭✭zuroph


    lol!!

    so no1 wants to elaborate?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,479 ✭✭✭Kamili


    basically its a scam!!!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 32 Johnny_191


    As my good friend George always says "Can I just get your bonk account details and SORT code, we can wire you the monies directly!"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,101 ✭✭✭NUTZZ


    Saruman wrote: »
    Thats a nice site, someone should buy it and make it legit :D
    I think BBC's Watchdog set it up to show how easy it is to be scammed.

    the whois details are eh... "unbelievable"

    :pac: did you see the registrants address??;

    Unbelievable Street
    Unbelivable Village
    W1H 4QA
    GB

    :rolleyes:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,429 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    The post code W1H 4QA = The B Institute, 85 York Street, London.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,148 ✭✭✭orchidsrpretty


    My sister is after buying some things off this website registered in China www.ezsaling.com looks fake to me but hopefully someone can prove me wrong? She said she payed be paypal, but should she cancel her card just in case?
    Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,097 ✭✭✭✭zuroph


    some dodgy stuff on it, but paypal link seems legit on testing. id question the authenticity of the product.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭mkpoker


    Saruman wrote: »
    Thats a nice site, someone should buy it and make it legit :D
    I think BBC's Watchdog set it up to show how easy it is to be scammed.

    the whois details are eh... "unbelievable"

    Looks better than some of the real sites...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,924 ✭✭✭eamon234


    Spotted this on Google ads while searching for laptops in case anyone comes across it - has the obligatory office cam too!

    http://www.evadisonline.co.uk

    Beats me how Google keep these ads up this one has been spotted and reported for the last month.

    Macbook Air for 700 odd quid kinda gives it away.:D


  • Registered Users Posts: 256 ✭✭LarWright


    Just saw this thread and thought I'd add one in!

    http://www.uksoccershop.com

    Last May (2008) I bought a jersey with specific print. It arrived about 2 weeks later with the incorrect print, and when I replied they told me that it was an oversight and they would replace it and pay all shipping costs. I set the jersey back registered post, and sent various emails.

    They said they'd received the jersey and would despatch a new one.

    Still to this day, after about 100 emails I have not received my replacement, and they won't reply to me now.

    I got onto EU consumer affairs and they said they are aware of this company doing similar things with other customers and are looking into it.

    Also beware, I paid via PayPal, but they weren't very helpful saying I received the item, and even tho it was wrong, I still received something, even though at this stage I had sent it back and had not received the replacement!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,466 ✭✭✭Lumi


    Do not under any circumstances sign up for the free trial on this site

    http://www.easyweightlosstea.com/

    If in any doubt, read some of the horror stories here http://www.complaintsboard.com/search/wu_yi/page/2

    :mad:


  • Registered Users Posts: 7 padgio


    I replied to an ad on Gumtree for a talking parot, I was told that there were 14 of them, located on the Isle of Mann and I would have to visit these people so that they could approve my ownership of the parots, when I asked what kind of things the parrots said, It turned out that they all spoke with a Nigerian dialect, at least thats how they spelt the words


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46,429 ✭✭✭✭muffler


    padgio wrote: »
    I replied to an ad on Gumtree for a talking parot, I was told that there were 14 of them, located on the Isle of Mann and I would have to visit these people so that they could approve my ownership of the parots, when I asked what kind of things the parrots said, It turned out that they all spoke with a Nigerian dialect, at least thats how they spelt the words
    Mighty :D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 ✭✭rebelchick2


    A word of warning to anyone thinking of buying contact lens on this site!!!! I ordered my lens 4 weeks ago, 2 weeks ago they were supposed to have been shipped(supposed to be 2 days or less before they are shipped) and just received them this morning along with a 25euro charge for VAT and post. I clicked on the Irish website bit and presumed they were coming from within the EU but it turns out they were coming from US and ended up more expensive that many other sites! Also their customer service is crap!

    BE WARNED!!!!!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 296 ✭✭triv88


    http://www.****/ This is dodge site by gsmsolutionsltd.com.They charged me over 100 euro to "repair" my xbox 360 last year,which i later found out was not in need of repair at all.Cunning piece of work

    "As seen on tv" yeah right:rolleyes::mad:


  • Registered Users Posts: 4 Gerfish


    Just a note to warn people off " add.ie " AKA "Irish Free Classifieds"
    The electronics section ( Cameras, phones, TVs, game consoles etc.) is littered with ads from scam artists offering stuff at unbelievable prices. As always if it sounds too good to be true etc........


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3 Paparazzi


    triv88 wrote: »
    http://www.****/ This is dodge site by gsmsolutionsltd.com.They charged me over 100 euro to "repair" my xbox 360 last year,which i later found out was not in need of repair at all.Cunning piece of work

    "As seen on tv" yeah right:rolleyes::mad:


    Are the photos of their offices real? or are they taken from other online sites?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 296 ✭✭triv88


    It is not a real pic of this place thats for sure.There is no reception area at all or other staff to see

    you ring a doorbell,speak to the guy through the intercom,he unlocks the main door and brings you into this empty landing area,all smiles,gives you a receipt,takes your machine,and then retreats through a back door like a trapdoor spider


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1 AddTeam


    Gerfish wrote: »
    Just a note to warn people off " add.ie " AKA "Irish Free Classifieds"
    The electronics section ( Cameras, phones, TVs, game consoles etc.) is littered with ads from scam artists offering stuff at unbelievable prices. As always if it sounds too good to be true etc........


    Hi,

    This is the owner of add.ie here and I'd like to exercise the right to reply. As a free to list site (and one of the largest in Ireland) it is a challenge to moderate all ads at all times, however we do moderate ads on a daily basis....some get through as is the case even with the paid sites in Ireland. On a daily basis we delete many ads and review all registrations. The vast majority of advertisements on the site are genuine.

    We encourage everyone to exercise due caution when replying to ads, and we have a knowledgebase here - http://www.add.ie/pg-help.html

    Please report any ads you feel are dubious to addteam@add.ie and we will delete where appropiate.

    Regards
    Alan


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭Bros123


    http://www.trade-beauty.com/


    Just a warning on these guys.
    Do NOT even think of buying anything from them!Prices ARE too good to be true and if you send them money through Western Union you can say goodbye to it!
    The website looks professional but its all just one big scam!
    Just letting everyone know before someone gets burnt.;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,158 ✭✭✭donmeister


    In fairness if your buying a N97 brand new online for $295 using Western Union and don't kop something is up, you deserve to be scammed tbh.

    EDIT: not a bargain, so GTFO :P


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭Bros123


    donmeister wrote: »
    In fairness if your buying a N97 brand new online for $295 using Western Union and don't kop something is up, you deserve to be scammed tbh.

    EDIT: not a bargain, so GTFO :P[/QUOTE

    Well I know that but it might help someone who gets carried away!And I suggest you GTFO.;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,719 ✭✭✭cronos


    Dont GTFO, but do put the website in the correct sticky. Please see the following link.

    http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055334539


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭Bros123


    http://www.trade-beauty.com/


    Stay well away!Scammers of the highest order!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭Bros123


    cronos wrote: »
    Dont GTFO, but do put the website in the correct sticky. Please see the following link.

    http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055334539

    Done and dusted.
    Mods feel free to wipe clean!:D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 540 ✭✭✭FredH3as


    32zjcyt.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,622 ✭✭✭Kevin!


    When you go to Check out, they spelt it 'Chect out'

    You would think that they would spend time trying to perfect the site, to look legitimize


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,624 ✭✭✭Dancor


    http://www.hkeles.com/

    ^^^^

    Seems to be doing the rounds in emails. Getting the following message:

    ''Hi,
    I bought a TV last week from a website:www.hkeles.com. I have
    received the product. The quality is very good. They also sell
    phones,motor,psp and so on. Because of the financial crisis, their
    products are very cheap. by the way, they only sell new and original
    products .If you need these products, you can have a look . I think
    you will get many benefits.
    Greetings!''

    It sends it to everyone in your address book apparently. Dont know how it works.


  • Posts: 0 ✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Either do I but unfortunately they sent the e-mail from my Gmail account (from googles searches, seems to only happen with gmail) to everyone in my contacts


  • Registered Users Posts: 163 ✭✭lobber


    Dancor wrote: »
    http://www.hkeles.com/

    ^^^^

    Seems to be doing the rounds in emails. Getting the following message:

    ''Hi,
    I bought a TV last week from a website:www.hkeles.com. I have
    received the product. The quality is very good. They also sell
    phones,motor,psp and so on. Because of the financial crisis, their
    products are very cheap. by the way, they only sell new and original
    products .If you need these products, you can have a look . I think
    you will get many benefits.
    Greetings!''

    It sends it to everyone in your address book apparently. Dont know how it works.

    This happened to my gmail as well. I am getting loads of undeliverable mail notifications back as a result of it.

    Am really curious how it got into my contact list?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 110 ✭✭grizzly_beer


    You can easily check if someone else has accessed your Gmail account,
    On Gmail if you scroll to the very bottom of any screen theres 3 lines of small black text, the top one is "last account activity" next to it is a link for "details" it will show you the last few times logged in and the IP address of whoever logged in.
    If theres no unfamiliar IP address then its probably a virus on your own computer doing it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,053 ✭✭✭jos22


    lobber wrote: »
    This happened to my gmail as well. I am getting loads of undeliverable mail notifications back as a result of it.

    Am really curious how it got into my contact list?

    samething happen to me and a friend.

    logs show a china base ip addressed had access our accounts at the time of the spamming


  • Registered Users Posts: 163 ✭✭lobber


    I have a message now from gmailing me now advising me that they have detected 'suspicious activity' on my account and ask me to change my password.

    Sometimes hard to know if this is legit!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,951 ✭✭✭✭Villain


    Its a virus that runs on your pc and uses your gmail contacts.

    Run Malwarebytes to clean it.


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