I’ve been scammed by ecommerce apps, agencies, freelancers, influencers, and suppliers. The total damage? Over $50,000 in wasted money and six months of lost time.
Here’s everything I learned about detecting scams before they drain your bank account.
My Expensive Education in Getting Scammed
When I started my beauty brand, I was optimistic and trusting. I believed that “investing in experts” would accelerate my success.
Instead, I got an expensive masterclass in how predatory the ecommerce services industry can be.
The damage:
- $15,000 to an agency that delivered nothing
- $8,000 on apps that didn’t work as promised
- $12,000 to freelancers who disappeared
- $7,000 on influencer campaigns with fake followers
- $10,000+ on suppliers who couldn’t deliver
Each scam taught me something. Here’s what I learned.
Red Flag #1: Unrealistic Promises
Scammer says: “We’ll 10x your revenue in 90 days, guaranteed!” Reality check: Any guarantee of specific results is a lie What to look for: Realistic projections based on data
My experience: An agency promised to triple my sales in 60 days. They couldn’t even maintain my existing traffic levels.
Better approach: Ask for case studies with realistic timelines and results.
Red Flag #2: High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Scammer tactics:
- “This offer expires in 24 hours”
- “I only work with 5 clients at a time”
- “You need to decide now or miss out”
- “Other clients are seeing 500% growth”
Reality check: Legitimate professionals don’t need pressure tactics What to do: Take time to research and decide
My experience: A “TikTok expert” claimed I had to sign immediately or lose my spot. I found out later they were running the same pitch to hundreds of people.
Red Flag #3: No Verifiable Track Record
Scammer behavior:
- Screenshots that can’t be verified
- “Client confidentiality” prevents sharing real results
- Testimonials without full names or companies
- No LinkedIn profiles or professional history
What to verify:
- LinkedIn profiles with real connections
- Actual client websites you can visit
- Verifiable case studies with specific metrics
- Professional references you can contact
My experience: An agency showed impressive dashboards that turned out to be fake. Always ask to speak with actual clients.
Red Flag #4: Upfront Payment Demands
Scammer approach: “We require full payment upfront to secure your spot” Legitimate approach: Payment schedules based on deliverables Red flag payments:
- 100% upfront for services longer than 30 days
- Wire transfers or cryptocurrency only
- No contracts or unclear terms
- Refusal to accept business credit cards
Better approach: Payment plans tied to specific deliverables and milestones.
Red Flag #5: Vague Service Descriptions
Scammer language:
- “We’ll optimize everything for maximum growth”
- “Our proprietary system delivers results”
- “We handle all aspects of scaling your business”
- “Industry secrets that nobody else knows”
What to demand:
- Specific deliverables and timelines
- Clear explanation of methodologies
- Detailed contracts with scope of work
- Regular reporting and communication schedules
Red Flag #6: Fake Social Proof
Common fakes:
- Bought followers with no engagement
- Fake testimonials from stock photo people
- Screenshots from “clients” with no verifiable businesses
- Awards from organizations that don’t exist
How to verify:
- Check engagement rates vs. follower counts
- Reverse image search testimonial photos
- Visit client websites and verify results
- Research any claimed awards or certifications
Red Flag #7: No Clear Contact Information
Scammer behavior:
- Only communicate through messaging apps
- No business address or phone number
- Generic email addresses (@gmail, @yahoo)
- Reluctance to video call or meet in person
Legitimate businesses have:
- Professional websites with contact info
- Business licenses and registrations
- Clear refund and cancellation policies
- Multiple ways to reach them
The Due Diligence Checklist
Before working with any service provider, complete this checklist:
Research Phase:
- Google their business name + “scam” or “review”
- Check Better Business Bureau ratings
- Verify business registration in their claimed location
- Review their LinkedIn profiles and connections
- Ask for and contact at least 2 client references
Conversation Phase:
- Demand specific, realistic projections
- Ask detailed questions about their process
- Request a detailed proposal with timelines
- Clarify all costs upfront (no hidden fees)
- Understand their refund and cancellation policy
Contract Phase:
- Read every word of the contract
- Ensure deliverables are clearly defined
- Confirm payment schedule tied to milestones
- Verify cancellation terms are reasonable
- Get everything in writing
How to Spot Legitimate Professionals
Green flags:
- Realistic projections based on your specific situation
- Detailed proposals with clear timelines
- References you can actually contact
- Professional communication and follow-up
- Willingness to start with smaller test projects
- Clear refund policies and reasonable contracts
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Immediate steps:
- Document everything (emails, contracts, payments)
- Contact your credit card company or bank
- File complaints with relevant authorities
- Leave honest reviews to warn others
- Consult with a lawyer if the amount is significant
Prevention for next time:
- Trust your instincts about people and offers
- Take time to make decisions
- Verify everything before paying
- Start with smaller commitments
- Always have an exit strategy
The Cost of Falling for Scams
Beyond the money lost, scams cost you:
- Time: Months of delayed progress
- Confidence: Doubt in your ability to choose partners
- Opportunity: Missing real growth while chasing fake promises
- Reputation: If scammers damage your brand
- Mental health: Stress and frustration from being deceived
My Promise to You
Having been scammed repeatedly, I’m committed to transparent, honest consulting. When you work with me:
- I’ll show you real results from my own business
- I provide client references you can actually contact
- I start with smaller commitments to prove value
- I explain exactly how I achieved my success
- I’ll tell you honestly if I can’t help your specific situation
Ready to work with someone who’s been where you are? Book a strategy session where I’ll share exactly what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in my two decades of ecommerce experience.
No responses yet