Is this shop legitimate?

Recently purchased from a shop named TheCarDefend.com

I receivedived the order details on this email:

store+87863656734@t.shopifyemail.com

Is this a legitimate shop?

Hi @D_O_1

Well, it might be legitimate, but there are a few red flags that for me, would be a sign to not gamble.

First, the store domain is just 3 months old, that does not mean it is sa cam store just for that but it is one of the red flags. Next, all prices are with a 50% discount, and considering the age of the domain it looks like the store is made to target Black Friday and Holidays with discounts so it does look more legit. But you have to think why would anyone discount 50% “premium items” and check competitors or manufacturers? But even if those prices look a bit high, I quickly search for one of the items, a head cushion and similar or the same, cost less than half.

The next red flag is the company name and info. “Neo in the Matrix Un Limited” really :slightly_smiling_face: that is a company name. Someone had fun, but even if that is real it sounds unprofessional. Also if you search the address in Google a bunch of companies pop out with the same address. And while there could be a reasonable explanation like “big building, lot of offices”, one address of the company that registers for others and so on still sounds a bit suspicious.

I do not like 40 days of shipping for custom items in peak season, even if that is too much. Plus they did just open for a peak season.

On Homepage there is a section with AS seen in but with no links so just look fake.

On product page there is a “bundle and save” feature scammers use a lot to maximize sales when you think about it they might not even send the time price for 2 or 3 do not matter. It is just more money for them. They make it also sound urgent with Just 7 left…

For confirmation email, that is a legitimate email address, it is from shopify but it just means they did not set the domain with email correctly. Most of the stores would test that before and try to fix but some merchants just forget or have technical issues.

To conclude, they are maybe legitimate but I would not buy from them. You have already and can only wait and see when and what you will get.

Maybe install the Shop app, to track the package better. And contact them to see when the item is sent.

Good luck.

1 Like

Hi there.

I experienced similar.

I recently ordered from Flowora (Floworaco.com) that continously passes by on Facebook.

I received an order confirmation from the email address Flowora store+63469813955@t.shopifyemail.com

Since then, 1.5 week ago, there is no communication.

I sent several emails as well as a Messenger text, but no response nor delivery.

My question is, how legitimate is this store?

Best regards

Rob

Hi Rob

It is questionable how legitimate that store is. I personally would not buy, but that does not mean it is a scam store.

On the other hand, there are a lot of red flags for me.

  • Lets first check Our story page " Whether it’s sleek furniture, multifunctional storage solutions, or statement dĂ©cor, each item is crafted to embody the essence of Dubai’s high-end elegance" yeah right, that description but products are 50% off
  • That is a second thing, those prices are like they say, “too good to be true,” so no matter how low the price is if you do not get anything but give some money away. And if you search images a bit you may stumble on https://www.amazon.com/CALOBANA-Floating-Hammock-Tanning-Lounger/dp/B0CP9R6D91?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1 for a real price and wonder even if it is a real product, what quality it is.
  • Next, domain, it is just over a month old so yes, new store but they seams they know what they are doing. Plus there is a myflowora .com same store, probably a backup when this one get closed and then in circle
  • Theme is Shrine PRO, one that scammers use a lot, you see it is all set and probably fast to create from start. Them vs US pointless comparison, Bundle and save that just want to get more money, 3000 reviews but where are they
  • Contact only by email, and as you see they do not replay, address most likely fake

So as you see, it is most likely a scam store, like 80%, but either way you should report it to Shopify on

https://www.shopify.com/legal/tools/report-an-issue/report-a-merchant

under Issue with an order, so they could investigate and close it down.

Hi Laza

Thanks for your fast response and analysis.

Regards
Rob

1 Like

No it is not. I ordered something on 4/29. It said the label was created on 4/30 but wasn’t picked up until 5/5. Then it showed out for delivery on 5/23 for 4 days and then delivered on 5/27. It was not delivered and I was home all day. I contacted Jewel shipping because that’s who they say they use & the tracking never shows what carrier, if any, it is handed off to. They told me to check everywhere and if I hadn’t received it in a week, to contact the seller. I had already been trying to contact Flowora and after three emails with no replies, I contacted the shipping company again & asked what I was supposed to do since they weren’t getting back to me. Their reply was that in this instance, it is up to the seller to file the dispute. That being said, I disputed the charge with my credit card company at 7:37 this morning and they closed it and refunded my money at 7:39. I don’t know if Flowora is flagged with Capital One, if it was the way I answered the dispute questions or if they normally settle a dispute that fast. I’m just thankful they did!

I should add that I can no longer find their Facebook page either which is where I found them in the first place!

Hi AnoB

Thanks for your response, this strengthens mu case. I’m still awaiting feedback from my credit card firm but good to hear you got refunded. I may use it as example in case I’m not successful.

Best regards
REP