A cunning online scam has infiltrated social media platforms in Botswana, luring victims with unbelievably cheap prices for high-end products. This deceptive scheme has ensnared hundreds of unsuspecting consumers, leaving them financially drained.
The scam operates through sponsored advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. These ads showcase enticing deals on sought-after items like iPhones, brand-name clothing, and even unclaimed packages, all at a minuscule price of P40 (approximately $3). The advertisements cleverly exploit the logos and branding of reputable companies like Game Stores and Cell City to appear legitimate.
Clicking on these seemingly harmless ads leads to a perilous path. Victims are directed to fake websites that mimic the targeted brands. Here, they’re prompted to answer questions about the “discounted” product. However, instead of securing their coveted purchase, this action triggers a series of red flags.
The websites route users to a payment portal with a suspicious URL, further raising suspicion. Upon entering their credit card details, unsuspecting victims are then charged a recurring fee of $40 – far exceeding the advertised P40. Worse yet, this charge doesn’t even grant them the promised product.
TechCabal’s investigation uncovered the intricate web of deception woven by the scammers. The payment portal’s domain was registered just a month prior to this scam’s emergence. Further digging revealed the entity behind the $40 charge – vgsfvr.com – resides in Panama, further shrouding its legitimacy. A review of this entity’s terms and conditions reveals its true purpose: a “messaging” subscription service with a suspiciously identical price tag of $39.99. It becomes clear that the scam’s aim is to trick victims into an unwanted subscription disguised as a bargain-basement purchase.
Consumer protection advocate Richard Harriman urges caution against such deceptive tactics. He emphasizes the importance of skepticism, highlighting the implausibility of acquiring a phone worth thousands of Pula for a mere P40. His advice: “Don’t believe offers that sound too good to be true.”
While some targeted brands have issued warnings to their customers, the deceptive ads continue to plague social media platforms. The absence of police reports from victims further underscores the complexity of combating these online schemes.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing prevalence of online scams in Botswana. It’s crucial for consumers to remain vigilant, verify information before engaging with enticing offers, and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
