Brand-Impersonation Ad (Fake Designer Sale)
A social ad uses a real brand's name, logo, and photos to sell a 'sale' that is actually a counterfeit or non-delivery scam.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Scammers run polished social-media ads that copy a well-known brand's logo, images, and style to advertise a huge sale. The linked site looks like the brand but is a lookalike domain. You either receive a cheap counterfeit, nothing at all, or get your card skimmed. The real brand is not involved; its identity is being borrowed to build trust.
What it usually looks like
- A social ad with a famous brand's logo and 'official sale' claim.
- A link to a site whose address is not the brand's real domain.
- Discounts far beyond the brand's normal sales.
- Comments disabled or filled with complaints.
Common warning signs
- The web address is a lookalike, not the brand's real domain.
- Discounts a real brand would never offer.
- Ad pages that hide or delete negative comments.
- Poor grammar or mismatched branding on checkout.
Example wording scammers use
“Official Ray-Ban Sale — 90% off today only! Shop the clearance event now.”
“Nike warehouse clearance: sneakers $29.99, limited pairs left.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your payment for a counterfeit or nothing.
- Your card details.
- To ride a trusted brand's reputation.
What to do
- Go to the brand's real website by typing the address yourself.
- Compare the ad's link to the brand's genuine domain.
- Doubt discounts that seem impossible.
- Report the ad to the platform.
What to do if you already responded
- Dispute the charge and watch for extra charges.
- Report to the brand and the ad platform.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.