Few weeks ago, the Musical Instrument Company ‘Sam Ash’ announced they’d be closing their stores in May 2024. While the announcement met meltdowns from fans and customers, some crooks are using the opportunity to scam unsuspecting people on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Here’s a detailed article on how the scam works, red flags to note, and what to do if you’re already a victim.
How The Sam Ash Closing Sale Scam Works
The scam targets guitar lovers using Facebook Ads with enticing 90% discount offered. Social media users are told to order immediately as it is a limited inventory. Clicking on the Ad directs users to websites impersonating SamAsh brand and logo.
Some of the websites used in the scam share similarity with the legit Sam Ash website ‘samash.com’. After placing an order, there’s no confirmation email or tracking info sent. There’s absolutely no means of reaching the store as the email address used isn’t functional.
Below is a break down of the scam;
- Lure buyers with fake 90% discount
- Displays Sam Ash logo to deceive unsuspecting shoppers
- Uses a countdown timer to create a sense of urgency
- Collects payment from buyers
- Fails to deliver the items ordered
- No refunds granted
Where to find Legit Sam Ash Closing Sale Online
Sam Ash Closing sale is available online only on samash.com – the official website for the Musical Instrument company. The closing deals are posted on samash.com/closing-stores. Clicking on it takes you to a page that uses a GPS to locate a store nearest to you.
However, it’s worth noting that the discounts aren’t up to 90% as seen online by fake closing sale websites.
Why you should Protect Yourself from This Scam
The Sam Ash Closing Sale Scam on Facebook falls under the category of online shopping scam. The scammers use impersonating tactics to make people think they’re shopping from a legit Sam Ash online store.
The websites are all recently registered, lack reputation, has no legal pages, and might have some sort of malware running in the background. Aside from failing to deliver the items bought, this scam could also involve the following frauds;
- unauthorized charges on credit cards
- Automatic VIP membership subscription – Some dubious online stores often add customers into a subscription plan without their notice. Victims get charged a monthly subscription fee for unwanted items such as online health magazines etc.
- Malware infestation to steal customer’s data
What To Do If You Fell For The Scam Ash Closing Sale Scam Online
Cancel your credit card
Immediately call your financial provider and cancel your credit card. By so doing, the credit card details you used for your transaction on valthyteamwear.com would become null and void.
Request for a new card
After the old credit card has been cancelled, ask for a new card, it doesn’t cost much to get one.Your credit card issuer will issue you a new one with different numbers.
Report the Fraud To Relevant Authorities
Report the scam to relevant authorities and organizations. This includes:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): If you are in the United States, you can file a complaint with the IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov/.
- Your Local Consumer Protection Agency: Contact your local consumer protection agency or the equivalent regulatory body in your country.
- Better Business Bureau (BBB): File a complaint with the BBB if the online store is based in the United States.
How To Spot Fake Clearance Sales
Check the Company’s Social Media Accounts & Official Websites
The first step you should take is finding out if the giveaway has been posted on the company’s social media accounts. If it hasn’t, the giveaway is likely a scam.
Check For Grammatical and Spelling Mistakes
Scan the clearance post. Do you notice bad grammar, missing words, or spelling mistakes? These are red flags for a scam. Any company can make a minor mistake when typing out a win notification. However, multiple or glaring errors are a bad sign.
Check Website Registration Age
How old is the website? The domain age of a website tells a lot about a store’s legitimacy or transparency. Websites below 6 months old are often considered unsafe. You can find out a website’s age by checking on Who.is ( a free domain checker tool)
Find Out If The Website Used Has SSL Encryption
find out if the website is secured with SSL encryption. (https and padlock symbols). If the padlock symbol doesn’t appear near the website’s URL, then it means your personal and financial information is at risk at the store.
Search for Reviews Online
Are there reviews or posts about the clearance sale online? It’s common for various news outlet to carry information about legit discount sales. By searching for reviews online you could also come across warning posts or complaints.
See latest alert; Sam’s Club Yeti giveaway scam
If you happened to order a item from the fake Sam Ash website, and used Paypal,shouldn’t the credit card info be safe, and Paypal need to be notified,so I can get the money back? Thanks