Recently, there have been several instances of third-party websites claiming to sell Yankee Candle® products at unbelievably low prices. These scams aim to deceive unsuspecting shoppers and compromise their personal information.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
1. Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices. Scammers lure victims with massive discounts, often up to 90% off regular retail prices. If an offer seems too good to be true, exercise caution.
2. Spam Emails and Social Media Ads. These scams aggressively promote their websites through channels like:
• Spam emails containing links to the scam site
• Fake advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
3. Counterfeit or Inferior Goods. Victims may receive:
• Nothing at all — orders go unfulfilled after payments are processed
• Knockoff or inferior substitutes — cheap replicas that don’t match the original product descriptions
• Used, damaged, or tampered goods — clearly used or broken items
• Completely wrong items — products different from what was ordered
4. Personal and Financial Data Collection. Scammers collect sensitive information during checkout, including:
• Full names
• Home addresses
• Phone numbers
• Credit card details
How to Protect Yourself:
• Verify the Website. Before making a purchase, check the legitimacy of the website. Look for contact information, real policies, and transparency.
• Avoid Unrealistic Discounts. Be cautious if prices seem too low compared to major retailers.
• Trust Your Instincts. If something feels off, trust your intuition and proceed with caution.
• Report Scams. If you encounter a suspicious website, report it to relevant authorities.
