Fake Brand Outlet Scams
Sites posing as official brand 'outlet' or 'clearance' stores selling fakes or nothing at all.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
What this scam is
Fake brand outlet scams impersonate a well-known brand's official outlet or clearance store, using the logo and product images to sell counterfeits or take payment for nothing.
How it works
Ads promote a 'official outlet closing down' sale with deep discounts. The site copies brand assets and a believable domain. Orders result in fakes, substitutes, or no delivery, and support is unreachable.
Common red flags
- 'Official outlet' on an unfamiliar domain
- Sitewide 70–90% off and 'closing down'
- No link from the brand's real website
- Poor grammar or mismatched contact details
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
[Brand] Official Outlet — final clearance, up to 90% off. Shop now: [fake link].
Payment methods used
- Card
- Bank transfer
- Payment apps
Who is usually targeted
- Brand-loyal shoppers
- Bargain hunters
What to do immediately
- Verify via the brand's real website (find it independently)
- Dispute any card payment
- Report the fake site to the brand and authorities
Evidence to preserve
- Site URL and screenshots
- Order details
- Payment records
Where to report it
- Action Fraud (UK) — UK national fraud & cybercrime reporting centre
- FTC ReportFraud (US) — US Federal Trade Commission fraud reports
- FBI IC3 (US) — US Internet Crime Complaint Center
- Scamwatch (Australia) — Australian competition & consumer reporting
- Your bank's fraud line — Use the number on the back of your card or in your banking app — never a number the caller gives you
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a brand's real outlet?
Go to the brand's official website directly (type it yourself) and follow its links to any outlet or clearance store. Do not trust 'official outlet' claims from ads or unfamiliar domains.