Payes.hutdhi.com is a deceptive online store masquerading as a legitimate TCGPLAYER website, selling popular trading card games like Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon TCG, and Yu-Gi-Oh, along with board games, figures, LEGO sets, video games, and puzzles. The site falsely uses the TCGPLAYER logo, images, and text to appear authentic, and is connected to a network of other scam websites through a common template.
The scam has been promoted through Facebook ads, claiming a storewide liquidation sale with up to 90% off due to the supposed closing of the game store. This narrative is designed to create a sense of urgency and attract unsuspecting customers looking for great deals on their favorite games and collectibles.
However, several red flags indicate Payes.hutdhi.com is not a trustworthy site. The contact information provided is associated with other known scams, and the company information, although seemingly legitimate with a registered company name (LETSORT LIMITED) and address in Bristol, England, should not be considered a return address, which is suspicious. Furthermore, the absence of social media presence and the domain being recently created (June 13, 2023) with a registrant based in China, are additional warning signs.
This article aims to break down the Payes.hutdhi.com scam, highlighting these red flags and offering advice on how to recognize and avoid similar fraudulent online stores to ensure a safe shopping experience.
Table of Contents
π¨ Is Payes.hutdhi.com a Scam? Beware!
Yes, Payes.hutdhi.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.
π« Unrealistic Discounts (Up to 90% off, liquidation sale)
The excessively high discounts advertised, such as up to 90% off on popular gaming items like LEGO, Magic: The Gathering, and video games, are often tactics used by scam websites to lure unsuspecting buyers with unbelievable deals.
β³ Urgency of Store Closing Sale
The announcement of a storewide liquidation sale due to the store’s closing creates a sense of urgency, pressuring customers to make quick purchases without fully considering the legitimacy of the website or the products offered.
π Use of TCGPLAYER Logo, Template Linked to Other Scams
The unauthorized use of the TCGPLAYER logo, images, and texts, along with a website template associated with other scams, indicates a lack of authenticity and suggests potential fraudulent activity.
π Vague Company Information and Address
The provided company name (LETSORT LIMITED) and address (12 Orchard Street, Bristol, England) do not match the domain name (hutdhi.com), raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the website and its operations.
π§ Suspicious Email and Company Linked to Other Scams
The email address (service@hutdhi.com) and company name (LETSORT LIMITED) have been associated with other scams, indicating a pattern of fraudulent behavior and lack of credibility.
π Recent Creation Date for the Domain (2023-06-13)
The relatively recent creation date of the domain (2023-06-13) suggests that the website may be part of a short-term scam operation, with scammers creating new domains to avoid detection and disappear quickly.
π Absence of Social Media Presence
The lack of social media accounts associated with the website further diminishes its credibility, as legitimate businesses typically maintain active social media profiles to engage with customers and build trust.
π Inconsistent Domain Information (Registrant Country: CN)
The discrepancy between the registrant country (CN – China) and the purported company address (Bristol, England) raises questions about the authenticity of the website and the legitimacy of its operations.
Summary Table: Payes.hutdhi.com Review
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Name | Payes.hutdhi.com |
| Scam Signs |
– Claims of closing with a storewide liquidation sale – Unrealistic 80% to 90% off discounts – Use of the TCGPLAYER logo, images, and texts – Use of a template linked to other scams |
| Scam Ads |
1. “We are sad to announce that our game store is closing. Although it’s tough news, we want to thank our local gaming communities for all of the awesome support over the years! As means of saying thanks, we will be holding a storewide liquidation sale! 80% off games, consoles, and accessories at ALL locations!” 2. “Store Closing- SALE UP TO 90% OFF LEGO LEGO SALE RETIRING 2023! Clearance 90% OFF PAYES.HUTDHI.COM Up to 5000+ games for sale Your favorite board and table top games are available from TCGPLAYER Welcome – Fashion Women Clothes Store” |
| Promoted Categories |
– Magic: The Gathering – Pokemon TCG – Yu-Gi-Oh – Board Games – Figures – LEGO Clearance – Video Games – Puzzle Clearance |
| Advertised Price | Up to 90% OFF |
| Promotion Method |
– Ads on Facebook (“We are sad to announce that our game store is closing.”) – Ads offering huge discounts (“80% off games, consoles, and accessories.”) – Promotion through the website (PAYES.HUTDHI.COM) |
| Claimed Sale or Offer | Up to 90% off |
| Impersonated Brands | TCGPLAYER (Scammers are impersonating the TCGPLAYER brand) |
| Website Features |
– Use of the TCGPLAYER logo, images, and texts – Use of a template linked to other scams – Registrant information in China (CN) – Creation Date: 2023-06-13 (new website) |
| Contact Information | Email: service@hutdhi.com Company Name: LETSORT LIMITED; Registration Number: 09402096; Company Address: 12 Orchard Street, Bristol, England, BS1 5EΠ ;(this is not a returning address) email and company linked to others scams |
What to Do If Scammed π¨
If you get scammed while shopping online, it’s important to act fast. Here’s what you can do:
π 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.
π 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.
π» 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.
βοΈ 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.
π’ 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.
π« Conclusion: Don’t Get Tricked!
In reality, Payes.hutdhi.com is nothing more than a deceptive scam store masquerading as a legitimate TCGPLAYER website. They deceive unsuspecting customers with a wide array of categories, including Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon TCG, Yu-Gi-Oh, and more, all adorned with the TCGPLAYER logo, images, and texts. This fraudulent operation extends its reach through Facebook ads announcing the closure of their supposed game store, enticing customers with a storewide liquidation sale offering unrealistically steep discounts of up to 90% off. However, behind the façade of this fire sale lies a deceitful scheme designed to swindle money from trusting patrons.
Contacts provided, such as service@hutdhi.com and the company LETSORT LIMITED, linked to numerous other scams, offer little recourse for dissatisfied customers. Furthermore, the absence of any presence on social media platforms raises suspicions about the legitimacy of the operation.
Bottom Line: Steer clear of Payes.hutdhi.com and any websites exhibiting similar deceptive tactics. Protect your finances and personal information from falling victim to these scams. π‘οΈπ³
Remaining vigilant and skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true can save you from falling prey to these malicious schemes. If an offer appears too enticing, it’s likely a trap. π€
