The Brand Blacklist: When a Discount Isn’t Worth It (scams, shoddy ethics, false advertising)

Let’s be honest: nothing hits quite like finding a fire deal on something you’ve been eyeing. But there’s a fine line between smart shopping and getting played by fake discounts and shady brands.

These days, anyone can spin up a website, slap a 70% off banner on it, and start “selling.” But behind a lot of those too-good-to-be-true prices are scams, drop-shipped knockoffs, or brands cutting corners hard enough to make your new jacket fall apart after two wears.

Here’s how to spot the red flags — and when to walk away, even if it’s “only $19.99.”

1. The “Everything’s on Sale” Trap

If every product is “60% OFF” 24/7, that’s not a sale — that’s the actual price.
It’s a common trick: brands inflate their “original” price so the markdown feels like a steal. You’re not saving money; you’re just being shown fake math.

How to check: Google the brand name plus “reviews” or “Reddit.” If everyone’s saying they’ve never seen full prices on that site, you already know what’s up.

Real sales have a reason — season change, limited inventory, or special events. Fake ones never end.

2. Stolen Photos, Stolen Hopes

If the product images look way too professional for the brand, or the models’ faces are cut off, that’s a dead giveaway they stole those photos.
You can check by doing a quick reverse image search (Google Lens or Pinterest Lens works fine). If that same photo shows up on AliExpress or Amazon under ten different names, you’re looking at a drop-shipped knockoff.

Pro tip: Legit brands take consistent photos. If the lighting or background changes dramatically between products, something’s off.

3. The Ghost Company

Before you hit “checkout,” scroll to the bottom of the page. If you can’t find a physical address, phone number, or return policy, don’t trust it.
Many scam stores list fake contact info or copy-paste text like “We are passionate about fashion and empowering your style journey.” Translation: they’re not telling you who they are, because they don’t want you finding them later.

Even small indie brands list a PO box, social media, or a founder name. Silence is a red flag.

4. The Fake Review Farm

Sketchy brands flood their own sites with five-star reviews that sound like AI wrote them. Stuff like:

“Amazing product. Fits perfectly. Good quality. Would buy again!”

Those are filler reviews written to trick search engines. Real reviews mention details — “sleeves run long” or “fabric feels thin but soft.”

To verify, search for reviews off their website. Try Reddit, Trustpilot, or TikTok. Real people post real photos. If you can’t find a single person wearing the thing in real life, it probably doesn’t exist.

5. The “Sustainable” Illusion

“Ethically made.” “Eco-friendly.” “Sustainable.”
These words sound good, but they’re often just marketing padding. Real sustainability comes with receipts: certifications (like GOTS or Fair Trade), transparency about factories, and details about materials.

If a brand talks about the planet but won’t tell you what their clothes are made of, they’re greenwashing — not saving the Earth.

Rule of thumb: vague slogans = empty promises.

6. The Dropship Shuffle

Dropshipping isn’t always a scam, but it’s risky. The seller never touches the product — they just pass your order to a third-party supplier (usually overseas) and mark up the price.

You’ll know it’s dropshipped when:

• Shipping takes 2–6 weeks.

• Product names are oddly specific (“Men’s Fashion Solid Color Comfort Fit Breathable Casual Pants”).

• Customer photos show items that look nothing like the listing.

You might get lucky, but usually, it’s cheap polyester and disappointment.

7. The “Ambassador” Scam

If a brand DMs you saying, “We love your vibe, want to collab?” but then asks you to buy something — that’s not a partnership. That’s a hustle.
They’ll promise “exposure” or “ambassador status” and then vanish the second your payment clears.

A real collaboration pays you, not the other way around. If it starts with a shopping cart, it’s a no.

8. The Morality Check

Beyond scams, some brands just have bad track records — think stolen designs, sweatshop labor, or lying about how “handmade” something is.

You don’t have to be perfect, but awareness matters. If a brand’s reputation is constantly tied to lawsuits, controversies, or TikTok exposés, don’t reward that behavior with your money.

There are tons of affordable, transparent alternatives that don’t rely on deception to sell clothes.

9. The Emotional Discount

Ever notice how shady ads always say “Hurry! Only 3 left!” or “Flash Sale Ends in 1 Hour”?
They’re not creating urgency — they’re manufacturing panic.
Once you feel like you’re missing out, you stop thinking rationally. That’s how scams win.

If a timer is pressuring you to buy, it’s not a sale. It’s manipulation.

Take 24 hours. If it’s a real deal, it’ll still be there.

10. When in Doubt, Do the 3-Click Test

Before buying from any new brand, give it three quick clicks:

1. Google the brand name + “reviews.”

2. Google one product name + “site:reddit.com.”

3. Paste one product image into Google Lens.

If anything weird comes up — mismatched names, shady reviews, copied photos — that’s your sign to walk.

It takes 90 seconds and could save you weeks of refund battles.

The Bottom Line

A good deal isn’t just about price. It’s about trust.
There’s nothing wrong with chasing sales — but the best shoppers are the ones who know when to close the tab and move on.

Smart shopping is more than saving money; it’s about protecting it.