If you’re someone who loves tools, chances are you’ve come across some great deals online. But beware, not all deals are created equal. In fact, there’s a growing scam involving knock-off sites posing as official Milwaukee Tool websites.
According to a notification from Milwaukee Tool, scammers create websites that look identical to the official Milwaukee Tool website and then attempt to sell tools directly to consumers. However, Milwaukee Tool doesn’t sell tools directly to consumers, so if you see a site offering tools at a discount straight from the manufacturer, it’s a sure sign that it’s a scam.
Other fraudulent websites may appear to be legitimate retailers, but they often have prices that are too good to be true. They might offer discounts of up to 90% off the MSRP with a countdown timer that indicates you only have 24 hours left to purchase. Once you give them your credit card or debit card information, they may send you a knock-off product in eight to twelve weeks, or worse, charge more to your credit card and sell your information to other scammers.
If you’re feeling manipulated and mad, you should be. These are scumbag tactics that have tricked many good people into thinking they got a great deal. So what can you do to avoid these scams?
First, if you land on a website that you think might be fraudulent, Milwaukee Tool has a list of authorized dealers on their website. Stick to these authorized dealers for consistent warranty support and to ensure you’re getting an actual Milwaukee Tool.
Second, if you think you’ve been scammed, contact your credit card company or bank to see if they can stop the charge. Even if they can’t, it’s important to get a new card to ensure your personal information isn’t used by scammers. Finally, report the scam to Milwaukee Tool using their reporting page, which only takes a minute to complete.
As a tool reviewer, it’s important to stay vigilant and avoid scams. Stick to authorized dealers and always be wary of websites that offer deals that seem too good to be true. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and your hard-earned money.