Cgoose.shop is a fraudulent online store masquerading as an official DICK’S SPORTING GOODS website. It deceitfully uses DICK’S SPORTING GOODS’ logo, images, and texts to create a semblance of legitimacy. The site is designed to mimic the appearance and name of the official website closely, employing a template that has been linked to multiple other scams. A notable tactic used by Cgoose.shop to evade detection and analysis is displaying a fake 404 error page on desktop browsers.
The scam is further promoted through Facebook ads claiming to be the official direct sales outlet for HOKA, offering products at significantly reduced prices of $19.99 as part of a supposed 24-hour clearance sale. These ads use high-pressure sales tactics and promise exceptional quality and satisfaction to lure potential victims.
Contact details provided on the site are dubious, including an email address linked to other scams and a company address in Hong Kong that is not intended for returns. This lack of legitimate contact options, coupled with the site’s connection to a company known to be involved in scams, raises significant red flags.
The domain name Cgoose.shop was registered recently, further indicating the site’s lack of authenticity. With a creation date of January 24, 2024, and an expiration a year later, it fits the pattern of temporary scam sites set up to defraud consumers before disappearing.
In this article, we’ll dissect the Cgoose.shop scam, highlighting the telltale signs of its fraudulent nature. We’ll also provide actionable advice on how to identify and avoid similar online scams, ensuring a safer shopping experience on the internet.
Table of Contents
🚨 Is Cgoose.shop a Scam? Beware!
Yes, Cgoose.shop 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.
🚩 Fake Brand Usage
The usage of well-known brands like DICK’S SPORTING GOODS without authorization, including logos, images, and texts, indicates a lack of authenticity and raises suspicions of a scam operation.
🛡️ Template-Like Design
Scam stores often use templates linked to other fraudulent websites, leading to a lack of originality and a higher likelihood of engaging in deceitful practices.
🚫 Fake 404 Error Page
Redirecting to a fake 404 error page on desktop devices can be a tactic to avoid thorough analysis and scrutiny, hinting at deceptive practices within the store.
🚨 Suspicious Facebook Ads
Advertisements promising unbelievable discounts like shoes for $19.99 from brands like HOKAONE and DICK’S SPORTING GOODS might be a ploy to lure unsuspecting customers with unrealistic deals, potentially leading to scams.
📧 Lack of Contact Information
The absence of essential contact details such as a phone number, social media links, or a valid company address can indicate a lack of transparency and accountability, common traits of fraudulent websites.
🔗 Linked to Other Scams
Being associated with other known scams or fraudulent activities points to the store’s dubious nature and raises significant concerns about its legitimacy.
🕵️♂️ Suspicious Whois Data
Creation and expiry dates like 2024-01-24 and 2025-01-24, along with a registrar from China (CN) and questionable registrant details, suggest potential red flags and highlight the need for caution when dealing with such a store.
Summary Table: Cgoose.shop Review
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Website Name | Cgoose.shop |
| Scam Signs |
– Uses ‘DICK’S SPORTING GOODS’ logo, images, texts – Uses a template linked to other scams – Opens a fake 404 error page on desktop to avoid analysis – Template-like Facebook ads |
| Scam Ads |
🔔Attention! We are the official HOKA direct sales factory! 💖Today, prices have been slashed to only $19.99! 💥Experience perfect packaging and don’t miss out on our exclusive one-week clearance sale! Affordable prices, exceptional quality, and absolute satisfaction guaranteed! 💓Embrace your fashion sense and shop now! ⏰Hurry! This event lasts for 24 hours HOKAONE DICK’S SPORTING GOODS TODAY ONLY $19 CGOOSE.SHOP 🎉Flash Sale Alert: Shoes – $19.99 Today Only! 👟 |
| Promoted Products | – Shoes for $19.99 (Today Only) |
| Advertised Price | $19.99 (Today Only) |
| Promotion Method | – Template-like Facebook ads |
| Claimed Sale or Offer | $19.99 (Today Only) |
| Impersonated Brands | DICK’S SPORTING GOODS (Scammers are impersonating the DICK’S SPORTING GOODS brand) |
| Website Features |
– Uses ‘DICK’S SPORTING GOODS’ logo, images, texts – Uses a template linked to other scams – Opens a fake 404 error page on desktop to avoid analysis – No clear company, address, phone, or social media information provided |
| Contact Information |
Email: support@ltsmrd.top Company: ARCMEAD (HK) TECHNOLOGY LIMITED Company Address: UNIT NO.A222, 3F, HANG FUNG INDUSTRIAL BUILDING, PHASE2, NO.2G HOK YUEN STREET, HUNGHOM, KLN, HONG KONG (This is not a return address) |
What to Do If Scammed 🚨
If you get scammed while shopping online, it’s important to act fast. Here’s what you can do:
🛑 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 truth, Cgoose.shop is nothing more than a deceptive scam. They masquerade as a legitimate DICK’S SPORTING GOODS website, employing the logo, images, and text to deceive unsuspecting consumers. Their Facebook ads, resembling template-like promotions, promise unbeatable deals on HOKA shoes, with prices slashed to an implausible $19.99. This lure of exceptional quality at rock-bottom prices is designed to entice shoppers into their trap.
When it comes to contacting them, the lack of a phone number, social media presence, or any legitimate company information raises red flags. Their purported company details lead to a dead-end, further emphasizing their intent to remain elusive.
Bottom Line: Steer clear of Cgoose.shop and any similar websites exhibiting these telltale signs of a scam. Safeguard your finances and personal information from these fraudulent schemes. 🛡️💳
Staying vigilant and skeptical can prevent you from falling victim to these deceptive practices. If an offer seems too good to be true, it most likely is. 🤔
