Footsprot.com is a fraudulent online store that falsely uses the branding of DICK’S Sporting Goods, including its logo, images, and text, to deceive customers into believing they are shopping with a reputable retailer. The site offers seemingly incredible deals, such as all products for as low as $19.95 and discounts up to 90% off, alongside promises of authenticity, free returns, and exchanges within 30 days. These offers are prominently advertised on Facebook, creating a sense of urgency and legitimacy.
However, several red flags indicate Footsprot.com is a scam. The use of a generic email (support@koronacide.com) not related to the DICK’S Sporting Goods brand, the absence of a contact phone number, physical address, or social media presence, and the link to other known scams all point to its fraudulent nature. Additionally, the website’s recent creation date (January 8, 2024) and the registrant’s information being hidden for privacy raise further suspicions.
This article aims to dissect the Footsprot.com scam, highlighting the warning signs to be aware of. We’ll also offer crucial advice on how to protect yourself from this and similar online scams, ensuring you can identify and avoid fraudulent online shopping sites.
Table of Contents
π¨ Is Footsprot.com a Scam? Beware!
Yes, Footsprot.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 Uses DICK’S SPORTING GOODS Logo, Images, Texts
The unauthorized use of logos, images, and texts from well-known brands like DICK’S SPORTING GOODS is a common tactic employed by scam websites to deceive customers into believing they are purchasing from a reputable source.
π οΈ Uses a Template Linked to Other Scams
The utilization of a website template associated with other known scams suggests a lack of originality and credibility, as legitimate businesses typically invest in unique and professional website designs.
β° Urgency in Facebook Ads
The emphasis on limited-time offers and last-day sales, coupled with exaggerated discounts of up to 90% off, aims to create a sense of urgency and encourage impulsive purchases, which is a common tactic used by scam websites.
β False Claims of Authenticity and Free Returns
The promise of authenticity and free returns within 30 days is often used by scam websites to build trust. However, these claims are typically false, and customers may encounter difficulties in returning products or receiving refunds.
π« Lack of Detailed Contact Information
The absence of phone numbers, physical addresses, and social media links makes it challenging for customers to reach out to the website for inquiries or support, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the business.
π Linked to Other Scams
The association of Footsprot.com with other known scams, either through shared templates or similar fraudulent practices, indicates a pattern of deceptive behavior and underscores the likelihood of it being a scam.
π§ Vague Email Address (support@koronacide.com)
The use of a vague and potentially unrelated email address, such as support@koronacide.com, instead of a domain-specific email, further diminishes the credibility of the website and raises doubts about its authenticity.
π Recent Creation Date for the Domain (2024-01-08)
The recent creation date of the domain suggests that Footsprot.com may be a newly established website, which is a common characteristic of fraudulent sites that aim to operate for a short period before disappearing.
π Lack of Transparent Registrant Information
The use of privacy protection services to conceal registrant details, including the organization’s name and contact information, raises concerns about the transparency and legitimacy of the website’s ownership.
π‘οΈ Use of Cloudflare Name Servers
The use of Cloudflare name servers alone is not indicative of a scam, but when combined with other suspicious factors, such as those listed above, it adds to the overall pattern of questionable practices associated with the website.
Summary Table: Footsprot.com Review
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Website Name | Footsprot.com |
Scam Signs |
– Uses DICK’S SPORTING GOODS logo, images, texts – Uses a template linked to other scams – Offers too-good-to-be-true discounts (up to 90% off) – Multiple names for the same store (DICK’S SALE STORE, SPORTING GOODS FACTORY SALE STORE, FOOTSPROT.COM) – Limited-time offers to create urgency |
Scam Ads |
1. “β° All products are as low as 19.95 on the last day. β
1000+ styles up to 90% off. Don’t miss out! π” 2. “DICK’S SALE STORE SPORTING GOODS FACTORY SALE STORE TODAY SALE ONLY $24.95” 3. “DICK’S SALE STORE SPORTING GOODS FACTORY SALE STORE TODAY SALE ONLY $28.95” 4. “FOOTSPROT.COM Limited Time Offersβ°” |
Promoted Products | – Various sports products at heavily discounted prices |
Advertised Price | $19.95 to $28.95 |
Promotion Method |
– Ads on Facebook (“All products are as low as 19.95 on the last day.”) – Promises of authenticity and free returns/exchanges within 30 days |
Claimed Sale or Offer |
– Up to 90% off – Limited-time offers |
Impersonated Brands | DICK’S SPORTING GOODS |
Website Features |
– Registrant Name: Redacted For Privacy – Registrant Organization: Domain Protection Services, Inc. – Creation Date: 2024-01-08 (new website) – No phone, address, or social media listed – Linked to other scams |
Contact Information | Email: support@koronacide.com |
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!
π« Conclusion: Don’t Get Tricked!
In reality, Footsprot.com is nothing more than a deceptive scam store. They shamelessly exploit the branding and imagery of reputable companies like DICK’S SPORTING GOODS, utilizing their logos, images, and texts to lure unsuspecting consumers into their web of deceit. Additionally, Footsprot.com employs a template that is commonly linked to other fraudulent schemes, further highlighting their nefarious intentions. Their Facebook ads paint a picture of irresistible deals, with products purportedly priced as low as $19.95, boasting discounts of up to 90%. They even go as far as guaranteeing authenticity and offering free returns and exchanges within 30 days, all in an attempt to deceive shoppers.
However, don’t be fooled by their elaborate facade. Once they’ve secured your payment, you can expect nothing but disappointment. With no legitimate contact information provided beyond a suspicious email address (support@koronacide.com) and no presence on social media or physical address, attempting to seek recourse from Footsprot.com is futile. It’s evident that they have no intention of fulfilling their promises or addressing customer concerns.
Bottom Line: Steer clear of Footsprot.com and any websites that exhibit similar deceptive tactics. Safeguard your hard-earned money and personal information. π‘οΈπ³
Being vigilant and skeptical can help you avoid falling victim to scams like Footsprot.com. Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is. π€