The Better Business Bureau Reports is warning consumers to watch out for scams involving fake business websites advertising inexpensive sports gear.
In one instance a consumer reported that they attempted to buy something at seahawksofficialnflonline.com using PayPal, which was an advertised method of payment. After placing the order, they were asked to pay via Western Union or Money Gram to speed up the process.
The buyer became suspicious and reported it to BBB. The company site claimed the business is in White City, Oregon, but BBB investigators determined that to be untrue.
Investigators sent a letter to the company’s mailing address only to have it returned by the U.S. Postal Service as ‘No Receptacle.’ Additionally, a search for the businesses phone number found it is associated with at least 10 other websites offering branded merchandise for professional hockey, football and baseball teams.
Creating a fake online store is a common trick. BBB offers the following tips to shop safely online:
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a scam should contact their local law enforcement and report it to BBB Scam Tracker at bbb.org/scamtracker.