Ivy-melbourne.com is a scam online store that has been falsely advertising the sale of handmade leather bags at 50% off, claiming that the owners are closing down due to financial difficulties. The Facebook ads present a story of hardship and the end of a passion project, enticing customers with the opportunity to purchase high-quality, handmade bags at a reduced price, along with free shipping within Australia.
However, customer experiences and TrustPilot reviews tell a different story, rating the site 1 out of 5 stars and labeling it a total scam. Customers have reported being misled into believing the store is Australian-based with prices in Australian dollars, only to be charged in US dollars with additional, unauthorized charges appearing on their credit cards later. Products or confirmation emails were never received, forcing customers to dispute charges with their banks and cancel their cards to prevent further unauthorized transactions.
The Whois information for Ivy-melbourne.com shows that the domain was registered very recently, on January 4, 2024, and the registrant’s details are hidden behind a privacy service, which is often a red flag for scam websites.
This article will dissect the Ivy-melbourne.com scam, highlighting the warning signs such as the recent domain registration, the lack of contact information, and the disingenuous backstory presented in the ads. We’ll also provide guidance on how to protect yourself from similar online scams and ensure safe shopping practices.
Table of Contents
🚨 Is Ivy-melbourne.com a Scam? Beware!
Yes, Ivy-melbourne.com is a scam, and we have several signs to prove it. Below, we’ll list these clear indicators to help you stay safe. Understanding these signs is crucial for protecting your personal and financial information.
😢 Emotional Story and Closure Announcement
The emotional story of the owners and their decision to stop the business is often used by scam websites to create sympathy and trust. This can be a tactic to lower your guard.
🔥 50% Off Handmade Bags
Offering a significant discount of 50% off on handmade bags may seem tempting, but it can be a common strategy to lure in potential buyers with unrealistic deals.
🚩 Substandard Advertising and Unsold Inventory Mentioned
Mentioning issues like “substandard advertising” and “unsold inventory” can be an attempt to build credibility by pretending to acknowledge their faults. Scammers may use this to appear more genuine.
🔒 Urgency and Fear of Limited Stock
The urgency created by the statement that the collection will disappear soon, combined with the fear of limited stock, is a classic tactic used by scams to pressure customers into making quick purchases.
📦 Free Shipping Offer
Offering free shipping can be a tactic to sweeten the deal and encourage customers to make a purchase. Scammers often use this to entice buyers.
🌐 TrustPilot Reviews (Rated 1 out of 5 stars)
Low ratings and negative reviews on TrustPilot indicate a history of unsatisfied customers who have had bad experiences with the website. It’s a clear warning sign to avoid the store.
💳 Currency Mismatch and Unauthorized Charges
The mention of customers being charged in US dollars instead of Australian dollars, along with reports of unauthorized charges on credit cards, suggests potential fraudulent practices.
🚫 Lack of Contact Information
The absence of any contact details or information makes it difficult for customers to reach out to the website for support or inquiries, which is suspicious for a legitimate business.
📅 Recent Creation Date for the Domain (2024-01-04)
A newly created domain can be a sign of a potentially fraudulent website, as scammers often create new domains to operate temporarily and then disappear.
🌐 Generic Registrant Information (Domains By Proxy, LLC)
The use of a generic registration organization and lack of specific registrant details can indicate an attempt to hide the true identity of the website owners, a common practice among fraudulent websites.
Summary Table: Ivy-melbourne.com Review
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Name | Ivy-melbourne.com |
| Scam Signs |
– Claimed closure of the business – Offering handmade bags at 50% off – Mention of substandard advertising and unsold inventory – Depleted bank account – Urgency in buying due to stock running out – Offering free shipping in Australia – Sale ending soon – TrustPilot reviews indicating scam experiences |
| Scam Ads | “Unfortunately, my husband and I have decided to stop 😢. We are selling the latest collection of our handmade bags at 50% off. We have put so much time into making these bags and the customer service that goes with them, but unfortunately, running an online store is not nearly as easy. Substandard advertising, unsold inventory and a depleted bank account have left us no choice but to stop making handmade leather bags for good. My family and I feel defeated that despite our best efforts, we cannot run this wonderful collection profitably. If you are still looking for a beautiful handmade leather bag made with love and craftsmanship, now is your chance to buy them at a fraction of the normal price. The collection will disappear in the next few weeks, and possibly sooner, depending on how quickly we run out of stock. Take advantage of this opportunity while the bags are still in stock. To get through stock faster, we also offer free shipping in whole Australia.” |
| Promoted Products | – Handmade leather bags (latest collection) |
| Advertised Price | 50% OFF |
| Promotion Method |
– Facebook ads announcing closure and clearance sale – Offering handmade bags at a discount – Mention of substandard advertising and urgency to buy due to stock running out – Offering free shipping in Australia – TrustPilot reviews indicating scam experiences |
| Claimed Sale or Offer | 50% off |
| Impersonated Brands | None |
| Website Features |
– Registrant information masked by Domains By Proxy, LLC – Creation Date: 2024-01-04 (new website) |
| Contact Information | None |
What to Do If Scammed 🚨
If you find yourself ensnared by a Ivy-melbourne.com Scam, immediate action is crucial. Here’s what you should consider doing:
🛑 Stop Further Transactions
The first step is to halt any additional transactions that might be in process. Contact your bank or credit card provider and inform them that you’ve fallen victim to a scam. They can help by blocking the card or reversing any unauthorized transactions.
📞 Report the Fraud
File a report with your local police and provide all the available evidence, such as screenshots, emails, and website URLs. Additionally, report the scam to online portals like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at www.bbb.org or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you’re in another country, reach out to your national consumer protection agency.
💻 Take Screenshots
Before the scam website gets taken down or changes, make sure to capture screenshots of your transactions and communications. These can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue legal action.
⚖️ Consult Legal Advice
Speak to a legal advisor about your situation. While pursuing legal action may be time-consuming and costly, it could be a possible avenue for recovering your lost money.
📢 Share Your Experience
Use social media platforms to share your experience and warn others about the scam. Your story could prevent someone else from falling victim to the same or similar scams.
🚫 Conclusion: Don’t Be Deceived!
In reality, Ivy-melbourne.com is an outright scam. Their heartfelt plea to sell their handmade bags at a 50% discount masks a deceptive scheme aimed at defrauding unsuspecting shoppers.
The Facebook ads paint a picture of a struggling family business, but don’t be fooled. This is a classic bait-and-switch tactic designed to lure you in with the promise of handmade leather bags at a fraction of the price. They even offer free shipping within Australia to sweeten the deal.
However, the TrustPilot reviews reveal the true nature of Ivy-melbourne.com. Numerous customers have fallen victim to this scam, reporting exorbitant charges in US dollars, unauthorized credit card transactions, and a complete lack of product delivery or confirmation emails.
Bottom Line: Steer clear of Ivy-melbourne.com and any websites that share similar characteristics. Protect your finances and personal information at all costs. 🛡️💳
Being vigilant and cautious is your best defense against scams like this. If an offer appears too good to be true, it’s likely a deception. 🤔
