[🇬🇧] Beware of Instagram Scam Ads Impersonating Famous Brands!

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on May 9 that fraud cases involving fake overseas shopping sites posing as well-known brands like Ralph Lauren, Carhartt, and BAPE have surged between January and April 2024.

There have been 46 reported cases so far: Carhartt accounted for 36, BAPE for 8, and Ralph Lauren for 2.

Most victims accessed the scam websites via Instagram ads. These sites closely copied official brand logos, URLs, and layouts, misleading consumers into thinking they were real.

After placing orders, victims could not cancel, never received the products, and were unable to contact the sellers.

Due to vague seller information and the sites being based overseas, it is difficult to seek compensation.

Over 90% of the victims were in their 20s and 30s, with those in their 20s—active Instagram users—making up 68.9%.

The agency advises consumers to:

• Be wary of SNS ads offering unusually low prices

• Verify if the website is official or a certified distributor

• Use the International Consumer Portal or Seoul e-Commerce Center to check for scam sites

🌎 Buy Korean products online

First-time order?

🎉Get 10% OFF at 【ONLINE-KOREA 】