Sephora Scam: Facebook Giveaway

Sephora Scam on Facebook: Store Closing

Beware of a new Sephora scam on Facebook and TikTok, claiming that the cosmetics company is offering a giveaway due to store closing or they are having a Shopping Spree. It looks very realistic, so you need to pay attention below. What's even worse is that the promo is advertised legally on Facebook and TikTok, which approved the ad! Let's take a look at one of the most prevalent Facebook scams and TikTok scams these days.

Here is a screenshot of the fake Sephora scam promo:

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The content of the Sephora Facebook ad states, “We are giving all unsold beauty (premium brands) away for nothing. Just two products per person limit. Click here”.

There are so many red flags on this fake Sephora giveaway. Once you click on the link, there is a page that explains the promo. The domain name listed on the ad (which you could see above) is www.johnnywomenskin.com. The one that opens when you click on is www.runnersedgealaska.top.

Guess what? Both these domains were registered a few days ago! None of these two domains are Sephora's official websites. However, when you open the link, you can see that the Sephora logo is on the top left corner.

If you try to open the menu button by the logo (see the image below), it's impossible. This is the biggest red flag of the Sephora scam. But wait, here is more.

Sephora Giveaway Scam: How It Works

The content on the page explains why they are giving away all these unique products. The title is: “We Are Closing Most Of Our Stores Temporarily- Online Promotions, Exclusive Skin Care Giveaway!”

Please don't fall for it. We'll explain why and how the scam works precisely but below is more from the page:

Sephora Shopping Spree

Before we discuss it further, let us warn you of the latest wave of fake Sephora giveaways crashing through TikTok. Sponsored ads promise dream hauls, but click the link and you'll be whisked to a phony site designed to steal your information. This is what the website looks like:

While Sephora does run promotions and rewards programs, these are always announced on their official channels and website.

Let's continue.

Sephora Store Closing Promo Doesn't Exist

However, the text that follows is copied and pasted word by word after a Macy closure announcement scam reported on Ripoff Report a while ago. Here it is:

• “Some of you may be really sad to see your local Sephora close down, but the rest of you are most likely wondering: “Will this benefit me in any way?” Well, the answer to that question is an absolute “YES!” We're working with our Skincare Product Suppliers for a promotion called “Sephora – Exclusive Skin Care Giveaway.” We offer an “Online Promotion” of the top luxury skincare products, such as Lancöme, Dior, NuRadiance, Estée Lauder, Givenchy, La Mer, and many more.”
• “To encourage people to avoid going outside and turn to online shopping, we have decided to give away some products at our closing stores, hoping that you will repurchase the same product from our Sephora App or our online website. With our primary focus shifting to our online presence from now one, the best part about this amazing offer is that you don't need to go to a store; take a few minutes to claim now your free deal on your phone, here.”

And here is where the scam comes in.

Sephora Scam Pitch

At the bottom of the fake offer, you will see the Sephora giveaway call to action. Below is a screenshot of it, after you proceed to “register.”

They say: “The terms of this great deal are simple. Depending on the answers you give to our four simple skincare questions, our cosmetics department will determine one product that most fits your needs. You'll be able to try a product that retails for $100 or more.”

Wait, isn't Sephora a cosmetics company altogether?? Oh wait, it was copied and pasted from somewhere else, remember? However, let's say you continue to believe you are really getting a free Sephora product.

Watch the video below to see a different variation of the Sephora scam:

The promo states: “Everyone will be guaranteed one product at least. However, for another lucky 10% of people, this promotion will be even better. Huh. After taking our survey, you will have a 10% chance of winning two luxury skincare products! They are fortunate because 10% of people who receive the second product will be getting the limited edition of the luxury brand products. These limited edition products are highly exclusive. It is why only a few lucky contestants receive them.”

“Answer our four simple questions to see if you're part of the lucky 10% who wins a limited edition for your 2nd free product! The inventory is limited; the promotion could end any day. All products will arrive within 1-3 days.”

The Old Shipping Cost Trick

So you decide to answer the four questions. What happens? You will get this notification. See screenshot below:

Can you see anything wrong? If you didn't, take a look at the bottom of the image. You will have to pay the “shipping fees”! What does that mean? We'll give you the bottom line: you'll need to put your credit card number in. Wait, wasn't the Sephora giveaway supposed to be free? Well, not only it's not. It does not exist, and you fall victim to the scam.

Fake Sephora Comments on Facebook

What else could we spot on this Sephora scam? The multitude of comments apparently coming from Facebook. Look at the screenshot below:

If you want to click on any of those profiles, they don't open. It's another reason to stay away. In a nutshell, the Sephora Giveaway on Facebook is a blatant scam that hides under an approved ad as it would be legitimate. Facebook, wake up.

Before getting into how to report scammers, here is something else very useful.

List Of Trustworthy Sephora Purchases Below

If you're looking online for Sephora products or any other cosmetics, we've put together a list with the highest-ranked products, validated as safe. They are below so you can shop without worries. You can also use the search bar. Here they are:

 

How To Report a Scammer

Let your family and friends know about this Sephora Scam article by sharing it on social media here. You can officially report crooks and any other suspicious activities to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using this link:

Report To The FTC Here

How To Protect Yourself More

If you want to be the first to find out (by email) the most notorious scams every week, subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter by clicking the link. You'll receive weekly emails – no spam.

On the same token, educate yourself with some other skincare fraud-related articles below, so you know how to stay safe online. Last but not least, feel free to use the comments section to expose other Facebook scammers.

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