Don’t Buy Sneakers from Instagram (I learned my lesson the …
So on July 13, I took a L on the React Element 87. I looked around r/Sneakermarket and facebook groups but I have no luck getting a pair. After hours of searching for a not so overpriced pair, I somehow come across a instagram reseller (IG: litkicksandapparel). I honestly thought the account was legit since it has around 4000 followers and screenshots of proof of purchases. And tbh I was tired and desperate at the moment. So I DM the seller and he told me the sneaker cost $285 shipped. I think that is a fair price and proceed with the transaction. A week gone by and my sneaker still isn’t here. Contacted the seller again, no response. Contacted the seller again last week and I was instantly blocked. God I was so naive and I let my impulse got the best of me. I know it’s unlikely to get my money back but I hate any of you to fall to these scams like I did. I never thought I would fall victim to this type of thing but I guess desperation/impulsive buying got the best of Don’t buy from IG sellers like I did. Patient is a virtue.
Be wary of scammers selling sneakers on Instagram, BBB says – KXLH
If you’re doing any holiday shopping on Instagram, you should be wary of scammers, the Better Business Bureau says in
a new warning.
According to the BBB, over the past several months, there has been an uptick in reports from shoppers who paid hundreds of dollars for hard-to-find shoes or custom sneakers on Instagram, but never received what they were ‘s how people fall for the scam. It starts with a post or sponsored ad you see on Instagram for a pair of sneakers. The account will appear to be run by someone who collects and resells sneakers, and will seem legitimate. To buy the sneakers, the account will say, all you have to do is send a direct message to the seller. Once you’ve been communicating with the seller, who sends enough pictures of the shoes to convince you they are real, they will ask you to make a payment using CashApp, Venmo or another online payment service. “You make the payment and wait for your new sneakers to be delivered, ” the BBB says in a new release. “Days turn into weeks, and the shoes never arrive. When you contact the seller, they may promise you a refund, which never materializes. “According to the BBB, one shopper who fell for this scam and reported it said that after several attempts to get a refund, “the merchant blocked me on social media where I originally contacted him and he also blocked my number, making me unable to call him or any (of his) associates. ”While Instagram does have a
Purchase Protection Policy
to help consumers, it doesn’t protect you if you fall for this type of scam due to how you will usually pay for the item. “Use onsite checkout on Facebook or Instagram to complete your payment for the purchase. Purchases made through third-party sites, local pickups, Messenger transactions, or through other messaging services do not qualify, ” the policy states. However, the BBB does have the following tips so you don’t get sneaker search the seller. Read the comments and reviews of other consumers on the seller’s social media accounts and website, and on If other buyers make negative comments or report not receiving merchandise they paid for, steer clear. Review the seller’s website carefully to make sure it is secure and legitimate before making a purchase. If they say they are an authorized reseller, verify that a safe payment method. Apps like Venmo, Facebook Pay, CashApp, and the like may seem like convenient ways to pay, but this kind of app was designed to allow friends, family members, and coworkers to send each other money. BBB advises against using payment apps with strangers; instead, use a credit ’t be pressured to make a quick purchase. Many scammers try to pressure you to buy, even if the deal doesn’t quite feel right. They may claim “this is the last pair of sneakers they have in stock” or “it’s a deal that won’t last long because the sneakers are a collectible pair worth much more than the selling price. ” Never purchase under pressure. Do your research first, then buy.
BBB Tip of the Week: Instagram sneaker scam – The …
Are you a sneaker aficionado? Or just love to get a unique pair of sneakers for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list? Scammers are preying on so many this holiday season with enticing ads and unbelievably low prices on several social media platforms. Buyers beware!
If you are buying from an Instagram seller, be careful. Over the past several months, Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker has seen an uptick in reports from shoppers who paid hundreds for hard-to-find or custom sneakers but never received what they were promised. How the scam works You are scrolling through your Instagram feed when a post or sponsored ad pops up. It’s a pair of sneakers you would love to add to your collection. Lucky you, the shoes in the photo are for sale.
The account is run by someone who collects and resells sneakers, and it seems legitimate. The seller has great photos and a lot of followers. To buy the sneakers, all you need to do is send a direct message. After some back and forth with the seller, who sends you enough pictures of the shoes to convince you they are real, you are asked to make a payment using CashApp, Venmo or another online form of payment.
You make the payment and wait for your new sneakers to be delivered. Days turn into weeks, and the shoes never arrive. When you contact the seller, they may promise you a refund, which never materializes. One consumer reported that after several attempts to get a refund, “the merchant blocked me on social media where I originally contacted him and he also blocked my number, making me unable to call him or any (of his) associates. ” How to avoid social media sales scams Research the seller. Read the comments and reviews of other consumers on the seller’s social media accounts and website, and on If other buyers make negative comments or report not receiving merchandise they paid for, steer clear. Review the seller’s website carefully to make sure it is secure and legitimate before making a purchase. If it says it is an authorized reseller, verify that claim.
Use a safe payment method. Apps like Venmo, Facebook Pay, CashApp and the like may seem like convenient ways to pay, but this kind of app was designed to allow friends, family members and coworkers to send each other money. BBB advises against using payment apps with strangers; use a credit card instead.
Don’t be pressured to make a quick purchase. Many scammers try to pressure you to buy, even if the deal doesn’t quite feel right. They may claim “this is the last pair of sneakers they have in stock” or “it’s a deal that won’t last long because the sneakers are a collectible pair worth much more than the selling price. ” Never purchase under pressure. Do your research first and then buy. For more information For more ways to protect yourself from scams when shopping online, visit Learn more about peer-to-peer payment platforms, such as Venmo, check out this resource.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, help others avoid the same by reporting your experience at
Frequently Asked Questions about buying shoes on instagram
Is it safe to buy shoes on Instagram?
The account will appear to be run by someone who collects and resells sneakers, and will seem legitimate. … To buy the sneakers, the account will say, all you have to do is send a direct message to the seller.Nov 26, 2019
Are Instagram sneaker stores legit?
Buyers beware! If you are buying from an Instagram seller, be careful. Over the past several months, Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker has seen an uptick in reports from shoppers who paid hundreds for hard-to-find or custom sneakers but never received what they were promised.Dec 22, 2019