Shopping · stamped FAKE SHOP

The "warehouse sale" textFAKE SHOP

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
MMessages×
https://messages.google.com/web/conversations/18
2784327Text message
lululemon: We Made Too Much is on. New markdowns just landed: https://shop.lululemon.com/c/we-made-too-much Reply STOP to end9:41
Message 84327
ScamFAKE SHOP
MMessages×
https://messages.google.com/web/conversations/18
48+1 (877) 555-0148Text message
[Lululemon] Warehouse Sale! Align leggings now $24.99, any 3 ship free. Ends tonight: https://lululemon-warehouse.shop STOP to end9:41
Message +1 (877) 555-0148

Always check the link.

The text uses Lululemon's name, but comes from an ordinary phone number and links to a shop Lululemon doesn't own. Real brands text from a short number and link to their own site.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesCheck firstIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

A 5-digit short number, and a link to shop.lululemon.com.

A full phone number, and a link to lululemon-warehouse.shop, which Lululemon doesn't own.

2What it asks you to doDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Have a look at the markdowns on Lululemon's own site.

Buy $24.99 leggings on a stranger's shop, with your card.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

No deadline.

"Ends tonight", and leggings at a fraction of the usual price.

RememberNever shop from a sale text's link. Type the brand's address yourself: if the sale is real, it is there too.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

Take the testNext scam: The half-price MacBook on Amazon →