WENDY KNOWLER: Scam alert! Beware of fake sites selling 'official' Springboks jerseys
Deceptive Facebook ads link to websites claiming to be ‘official’, using fake certifications and even warning shoppers about counterfeit sites to add an air of legitimacy.
Picture: Supplied
Pippa Hudson interviews consumer journalist Wendy Knowler.
Listen below (skip to 4:30).
As with any high-demand product, scammers are aggressively targeting Springboks supporters with fraudulent offers for 'well-priced' jerseys, promising 'next-day delivery'.
With the Boks set to face their archrivals, the All Blacks, in Cape Town on Saturday, demand is at its peak.
Deceptive Facebook ads link to websites claiming to be 'official', using fake certifications and even warning shoppers about counterfeit sites to add an air of legitimacy.
According to the genuine SA Rugby Online shop, official Nike/Springboks products will never be offered at steep discounts or as part of 'buy one get one free' promotions.
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"What will tell you it's not legit is the price, and usually every size is available... too easy!"
- Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist
Two Sundays ago, Matthew from Gqeberha came across an ad on Facebook offering Springboks jerseys on sale.
He bought two – one for himself and one for his wife – totalling R1400, plus R100 for next-day delivery.
“I received payment notifications via email, but I haven’t heard anything since," he said.
It was only after contacting Signet Licensing, the company authorised to run the SA Rugby Online shop on behalf of SA Rugby, that he discovered he had been scammed.
“The fake Facebook pages look very similar to the official Springboks Facebook Page, featuring items that identically resemble official Nike/Springbok garments, to confuse and mislead unsuspecting shoppers even more," says Signet Licensing CEO Paul Zacks.
"We are actively working with various parties to have these fraudulent websites reported and removed.”
For authentic jerseys, Knowler advises visiting the following legitimate sites:
- Sportsmanswarehouse.co.za
- Studio88.co.za
- Sollymsports.co.za
- Superbalist.co.za
- Bash.co.za
If you've fallen victim to these jersey scams, Signet Licensing would like to hear from you.
Email: info@signet-licensing.co.za.
"As always, check the URL. That's the first thing you should do when you come across a great offer."
- Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.