Scammers are increasingly impersonating Lidl online, offering unbelievably low prices. Here’s how to recognize these fraudulent sites and protect yourself.
Fake Lidl shops proliferate online: How to identify scams
In recent weeks, scammers have been increasingly using the Lidl logo to create fake online shops, offering products at prices that seem too good to be true. According to fraud experts at Mimikama, these fake Lidl websites have surged, tricking consumers into buying products that are never delivered.
The fraudulent sites, which mimic legitimate Lidl domains, advertise items like E-Bikes and toolkits at prices drastically lower than their market value—€60 instead of €600 for a toolkit, or €100 instead of €1,000 for an E-Bike. These sites are professionally designed, making it difficult for consumers to spot the scam. Fake shop URLs such as lidlmarketeu.ru and lidlonlinesale.shop have been reported, luring shoppers with fake deals that ultimately result in loss of money and personal information.
These websites were recently registered and pretend to be Lidl shops
- lidlmarketeu.ru
- marketspecial.shop
- lidlonlinesale.shop
- lidlmarketonline.ru
- tool-sale.shop
- market-sale.shop
- lidlmarketonlines.ru
Signs to help you spot a fake online shop
To protect yourself from these scams, watch out for the following red flags:
- Suspicious URLs: Legitimate shops usually have simple, recognizable URLs.
- Unrealistically low prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Language errors: Poor grammar and spelling mistakes are common on fake sites.
- Lack of reviews: Reputable shops typically have plenty of customer feedback.
- Limited payment options: Be wary if secure payment methods like PayPal are unavailable.
- Pressure tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush purchases.
- Missing or incomplete contact information: A legitimate website should always have a visible and detailed legal notice or ‘Impressum.’
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, immediately contact your payment provider to request a chargeback and report the website to the authorities. Staying informed about the latest scams is crucial to avoiding such traps.
Beware of collaborations with other brands
Recently, scammers have also exploited the reputation of other well-known brands. For instance, fake websites claimed a collaboration between Lidl and vacuum manufacturer Dyson, falsely stating that Dyson was clearing its inventory at a fraction of the price due to a contract termination with Lidl. However, these sites were not associated with Dyson or Lidl and were designed to steal sensitive personal information.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to online shopping scams.
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