If it sounds too good to be true… it’s probably a fake L.L. Bean site trying to swipe your credit card.
In this publication, we're uncovering a sneaky scam that's been making rounds across the internet — and it’s targeting fans of outdoor gear with promises of unbeatable prices. Here’s what’s really going on.
Scammers are creating fake websites and digital ads that mimic L.L. Bean’s official pages, offering outrageous “discounts” — up to 90% off — to trick consumers into handing over their credit card info.
How It Works:
- Scammers launch fake websites that look nearly identical to L.L. Bean’s real online store.
- They run aggressive ads on search engines and social media, promoting huge sales like “90% Off Memorial Day Clearance!”
- When customers try to check out, they’re prompted to enter payment information — and just like that, their card data is stolen.
- The product never arrives, and worse, that financial info could now be used for further fraud or identity theft.
Who’s Targeted:
- Online shoppers, especially those searching for deals on outdoor or seasonal gear.
- Older adults or less tech-savvy consumers, who may be less familiar with spotting fraudulent sites.
- Residents in states like Connecticut, where L.L. Bean has brick-and-mortar locations, making the scam feel even more plausible.
Real-Life Example:
L.L. Bean’s public affairs manager, Jason Sulham, confirmed that the company began seeing fake ads pop up in early May, with scam sites mimicking official sales and discounts.
“We actively monitor for fraudulent sites and move quickly to have them taken down, but it can often be a difficult process,” Sulham said.
The company now maintains a dedicated page listing official websites, authorized sellers, and steps to take if you’ve been scammed.
Why You Should Care:
Falling for one of these scams can mean more than just losing out on a good deal — it can result in:
- Stolen credit card data
- Identity theft
- Unauthorized charges
- Long-term privacy and financial damage
And with the professional look of these fake websites, even savvy shoppers could get duped.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Always verify the URL: Real L.L. Bean websites will end in .llbean.com. Anything else is suspect.
• Avoid impulse clicks on ads: Instead, go directly to the brand’s site via your browser.
• Check for secure payment: Look for the padlock icon in your browser and verify HTTPS in the address bar.
• Be skeptical of deep discounts: L.L. Bean is generous, but 90% off isn’t standard — it’s a red flag.
• Report and recover: If you’re scammed, contact your bank immediately and notify L.L. Bean via their official support page.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: “Did you know? Fake websites often copy logos and design perfectly but have subtle typos in the domain name — like ‘llbean-clearance.store’ instead of ‘llbean.com’.”
Pro Tip: “Bookmark the real L.L. Bean site and only shop through that link to avoid landing on fraudulent lookalikes.”
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords:
• Fake Website Scam – Fraud involving websites that mimic real brands to steal user data.
• Phishing Ad – Online ads that redirect users to scam websites disguised as legitimate brands.
• Identity Theft – When someone illegally obtains and uses another person's personal data for fraud.
• Online Shopping Fraud – Scams that occur while buying goods or services over the internet.
• Secure URL (HTTPS) – A web address starting with “https://” indicating encrypted, safer browsing.
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