AliExpress Dupes Marketed As ‘Closing Down Sales’ By Fake Kildare Retailers On Social Media

Monday, 18 November 2024 10:47

By Martin Osborne

Some of the Facebook ads create a sense of urgency, telling shoppers that they are selling everything at a discounted rate because they are closing down.

An online scam involving ads for discounted clothing and leather handbags is being aggressively targeted at social media users in Kildare.

The scam, which has been running for several months, uses a series of slick advertisements on platforms like Facebook and Instagram to deceive shoppers.

These ads often link to third-party websites that appear to represent authentic Irish retailers, claiming to offer clearance sales or steep discounts.

A lot of the scams have no contact number and shoppers must contact them through an information page.

Some of the Facebook ads create a sense of urgency, telling shoppers that they are selling everything at a discounted rate because they are closing down.

For example, O'Connor Kildare is using an image of Kildare Retail Outlet on their social media, telling locals they are closing down.

A fake image used on social media.

The shop does not exist.

As seen below, a fake Hugo Boss jacket is being advertised for sale.

It is also selling fake designer clothes that are available on cheap websites like AliExpress.

The jacket includes an image of a fist where a letter should be. The jacket costs €18 on AliExpress and over €50 on the O'Connor website and Facebook page.

The jacket on the fake Kildare shop.

The same jacket on AliExpress.

Another is Maud Kildare, which is using similar tactics.

The operator of the page is claiming that they have been "forced to close".

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission's (CCPC) advice is to contact your bank immediately if you have been duped by similar social media advertisements or websites.