I Got Duped by a Fake NK Space Website. Here’s How to Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen to You

In a world where social media offers constant inspiration, it’s easy to get caught up in the lure of shiny products and exclusive discounts, especially when they’re from your favourite beauty brands. That’s exactly how I got duped recently by a fake NK Space website. While the experience left me feeling embarrassed and frustrated, I learned some valuable lessons about spotting online scams and keeping my information safe. Here’s my story and some tips to help you avoid the same trap.

The Trap: How It Happened

It all started with an ad on Instagram featuring what seemed like an NK Space sale. As a devoted fan of NK Space’s beauty products, I was excited. The link took me to a site that looked exactly like NK Space’s official page – from the logo and layout to product images and even reviews. Everything about it seemed legitimate, so I added a few items to my cart and checked out. That’s when things started to go wrong.

After entering my credit card information and hitting “complete purchase,” I didn’t receive a confirmation email. What I did receive however, was an email telling me to finish checking out - obviously a ploy to get me to ‘buy’ the products again. I tried to visit the website again, only to land on the legitimate website, unable to find the ‘deal’ I’d paid for. Panic set in as I realised that I’d just handed over my financial details to a scammer.

The Aftermath: Realizing I’d Been Duped

I immediately contacted my bank to report the fraud, thinking that because the transaction was still pending, they’d be able to cancel it for me. Now, I like to think I’m a savvy thirty-something-year-old, yet I had no idea it wouldn’t be that easy. First, they couldn’t cancel the transaction as I had been the one to make the purchase (it hadn’t been taken fraudulently). Next, I’d have to wait 14 days from when the transaction cleared to make a dispute over the payment. But even then, I may not get my money back.

I finished the phone call feeling even more in limbo and, quite frankly, stupid. The only upside was that I’d paid the fraudsters through ApplePay, which my tech savvy husband explained was a good thing as my details would have been hidden.

Despite this, I couldn’t stop thinking about how my personal and financial information had been compromised, and I realised how easily it could happen to anyone.

This fake website had been so carefully designed that even a seasoned online shopper like me didn’t spot any red flags. But looking back, there were clues that might have tipped me off had I known what to look for. Here are the lessons I learned that can help you stay safe.

1. Always Check the URL Carefully

Fake websites often use URLs that look almost identical to the legitimate site, with minor changes that can easily go unnoticed. For example, in my case, instead of “themumcompany.com,” a fake site may use “shop.themumcompany.com” or other similar variations

So double-check the URL, especially if you’re following a link from social media or an email like I did. If something looks even slightly off, close the page and go directly to the brand’s official site instead of clicking on links.

2. Look for HTTPS

Legitimate e-commerce sites use “HTTPS” in their URLs, which indicates they have security measures in place to protect your data. It’s not a guarantee that the site is legitimate, but it’s a good first indicator. Avoid entering your information on any site that uses “HTTP” without the “S.”

3. Be Wary of Unbelievable Deals

Scammers love to use flashy, too-good-to-be-true discounts to lure victims. If a sale seems excessively generous or the prices look suspiciously low, it could be a red flag. Check the brand’s official site or social media channels to see if the promotion is mentioned elsewhere.

4. Do a Background Check on the Site

A quick Google search of the website name with terms like “scam” or “fraud” can reveal if others have encountered similar issues. You can also search for reviews of the site, as scam sites often accumulate negative reviews quickly. Forums and review sites are also good resources for checking if a site is trustworthy.

After my experience, I actually found a press release from the legitimate brand warning their customers about fake sites.

5. Use Payment Methods with Fraud Protection

If you’re making a purchase on a site you’re not familiar with, consider using a payment method with robust fraud protection, like PayPal or a credit card with buyer protection. Avoid using debit cards or direct bank transfers, as it’s much harder to get your money back if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent.

6. Check for Grammar and Spelling Errors

Professional sites take pride in their presentation. Fake websites often have typos, awkward phrasing, or grammatical errors. While not all typos mean a site is fake, a pattern of poor language use can be a red flag. Also, check the “About Us” and “Contact” pages – vague or incomplete information is often a warning sign.

7. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Monitor Your Accounts

Enable two-factor authentication on any accounts that offer it, especially your email and bank accounts. If someone does get hold of your information, 2FA adds an extra layer of security. Additionally, regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. The quicker you spot suspicious activity, the easier it is to prevent further damage.

The Takeaway

Getting duped by a fake website was a harsh reminder of the importance of online vigilance. The internet is full of fake sites that mimic real ones, and the people behind them know how to manipulate our trust.

Learning from my experience, I’ve had a stark realisation that this type of thing doesn’t just happen to ‘older’ people and that my cockiness in thinking that I’m way too canny to fall for online fraud actually could have been what made me the exact person these criminals are targeting.