Zalot.co is identified as a scam online store that falsely advertises fashionable handbags, including hobo bags that supposedly fit 13-inch MacBooks and more. The site uses Facebook ads to attract potential customers, inviting them to comment “WANT” for a direct message with the link, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
The products listed, such as the Pleated Handbag, Harev Crossbody Bag, Crescent Zip Handbag, and Vionne Satchel Bag, are offered at significantly reduced prices, suggesting deals that seem too good to be true. Despite displaying trust pilot badges and providing contact information, the legitimacy of Zalot.co is highly questionable. The provided address and contact details appear to be unreliable, and the domain information, with registrant details withheld for privacy, further raises suspicions.
This article will delve into the specifics of how the Zalot.co scam operates, highlighting the red flags such as the recent domain creation date (December 1, 2023), the use of privacy services to hide registrant information, and the implausible discounts advertised. We will also share vital tips on recognizing and avoiding similar online scams to protect yourself while shopping on the internet.
Table of Contents
🚨 Is Zalot.co a Scam? Beware!
Yes, Zalot.co 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.
🚫 Unrealistic Product Claims
The claims about a hobo bag fitting a 13″ inch MacBook and more may be exaggerated to lure customers. Scam websites often make unrealistic product claims to attract attention.
📢 Comment-Based Sales Approach
Requesting customers to comment “WANT” for a link via direct message (DM) is a tactic used to engage potential victims. Scammers exploit social media comments for phishing.
🛍️ Lack of Product Details
The absence of detailed product information and specifications makes it difficult for customers to make informed decisions, a common tactic employed by fraudulent online stores.
💲 Inconsistent Pricing
The substantial price reductions, such as from $120.00 USD to $36.00 USD, raise suspicions of deceptive pricing strategies, a hallmark of scam websites.
🌟 Trust Pilot Badge
Displaying trust pilot badges without clickable links or credible sources may indicate a fraudulent attempt to build trust artificially.
📧 Vague Contact Information
The use of a generic email address (hey@zalot.co) and lack of a physical address raises concerns about the legitimacy of the website’s customer support.
📞 Unverified Phone Number
The phone number provided (646) 836-8711 is not verified and could be a means to deceive customers. Scam websites may use untraceable phone numbers.
📍 Dubious Address
The address “16192 COASTAL HIGHWAY LEWES, DELAWARE 19958” seems suspicious, and the lack of verifiable company details casts doubt on the store’s authenticity.
🌐 Recent Creation Date for the Domain (2023-12-01)
The website’s domain, created in December 2023, is relatively new, which is a common characteristic of scam sites that may disappear quickly after fraudulent activities.
🕵️ Privacy Service Registrant
The use of a privacy service to obscure the registrant’s information is a red flag, as it makes it difficult to verify the legitimacy of the website and its owners.
Summary Table: Zalot.co Review
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Name | Zalot.co |
| Scam Signs |
– Promotion through Facebook ads – Encouraging users to comment “WANT” for a link – Unrealistic discounts on products – Trust pilot badge (potential fake reviews) – Suspicious contact information and address |
| Scam Ads |
This hobo bag that fits a 13″ inch Macbook and alot more… Comment “WANT” and we will DM the link to you! 0:00 / 0:08 ZALOT.CO Snap Button Hobo Bag This hobo bag that fits a 13″ inch Macbook and alot more… |
| Promoted Products |
– Snap Button Hobo Bag – Pleated Handbag (Vendor: Aurique) – Harev Crossbody Bag (Vendor: Kurt Geiger) – Crescent Zip Handbag (Vendor: Velouri) – Vionne Satchel Bag |
| Advertised Prices |
– Snap Button Hobo Bag (No price mentioned) – Pleated Handbag: Regular price $120.00 USD, Sale price $36.00 USD – Harev Crossbody Bag: Regular price $260.00 USD, Sale price $89.00 USD – Crescent Zip Handbag: Regular price $125.00 USD, Sale price $35.00 USD |
| Promotion Method |
– Ads on Facebook (“This hobo bag that fits a 13” inch Macbook and a lot more… Comment “WANT” and we will DM the link to you!”) – Unrealistic discounts on products – Trust pilot badge (fake reviews) – 👉 VALENTINE’S SALE LIVE – UP TO 40% OFF |
| Contact Information |
Email: hey@zalot.co Phone: (646) 836-8711 Address: 16192 COASTAL HIGHWAY LEWES, DELAWARE 19958 (seems fake) |
| Whois |
Domain Name: zalot.co Registrant Information: – Registrant Name: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY – Registrant Organization: Privacy service provided by Withheld for Privacy ehf – Registrant Street: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY – Registrant City: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY – Registrant Phone: REDACTED FOR PRIVACY – Registrant Country: IS – Creation Date: 2023-12-01 – Registry Expiry Date: 2024-12-01 |
What to Do If Scammed 🚨
If you find yourself ensnared by a Zalot.co 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 Get Tricked!
In the case of Zalot.co, it’s essential to recognize that this is not a legitimate online store but rather a cunning scam. They employ deceptive tactics to lure unsuspecting shoppers, including eye-catching Facebook ads and enticing product offers. The Facebook ads may promise a hobo bag that fits a 13″ inch Macbook and more, enticing users to comment “WANT” for a link. However, this is merely a ploy to engage potential victims. The lack of transparency and authenticity is a glaring red flag.
Even the products listed on their website, with significant markdowns, raise suspicions. The prices seem too good to be true, and these discounted items may never be delivered as promised. Contacting Zalot.co via email or phone (hey@zalot.co and (646) 836-8711) may prove futile, as scammers often ignore complaints and inquiries from their victims.
Bottom Line: Avoid Zalot.co and any websites that exhibit similar characteristics. Safeguard your money and personal information from potential scams. 🛡️💳
Remaining vigilant and cautious when encountering deals online can save you from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. If an offer appears too good to be true, it’s likely a scam. 🤔
