Is a Facebook ad for a designer brand at 90% off real?
Almost certainly not. Steep discount ads for luxury brands on social media almost always lead to fake goods, no delivery, or card theft.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Counterfeit and fraudulent brand ads are among the most reported scams on social media. Fraudsters create pages that closely mimic official brand accounts, run targeted ads, and direct shoppers to convincing fake websites. Victims either receive a cheap counterfeit, receive nothing at all, or have their card details harvested for further fraud. Legitimate luxury brands almost never discount their products by more than a modest percentage, and they never sell through unofficial Facebook pages. Before purchasing, check the seller's page age (new pages are suspect), the website's domain, and whether the URL matches the official brand domain.
Common red flags
- Ad price is 70-90% below the brand's retail price
- Facebook page was created recently or has very few followers
- Website URL does not match the official brand domain
- Payment only via PayPal Friends and Family or bank transfer
- No contact information, return policy, or business address on the website
What to do now
- Verify the website domain against the official brand website before buying
- Check the Facebook page creation date and review history
- Report the ad to Facebook using the 'Report Ad' option
- If you have already paid, dispute the charge with your card provider
Frequently asked questions
What if the website has a padlock icon in the browser?
The padlock (HTTPS) only means the connection is encrypted — it does not mean the site is legitimate or that the seller is trustworthy. Scam sites routinely use HTTPS.