The cannabis industry is booming, but with its growth comes an unfortunate rise in scams targeting unsuspecting customers.
At Weed Supermarket, we take customer safety seriously, and we believe it’s essential to stay informed about the latest fraud schemes.
Recently, one of our customers, Mark, shared his experience with a scam that’s been circulating in 2024. His story serves as a crucial reminder for everyone to be cautious and aware when purchasing cannabis products online.
Mark’s Story: How He Almost Got Scammed
Mark’s experience started when he attempted to purchase cannabis products from a website called ‘www.germanweedstore.com’. On the surface, the website appeared legitimate, but it was part of an elaborate scam. After making a payment, Mark received a notification that his order had been “posted” via a courier service named XtraMailingService. This courier, which was also part of the scam, provided fake tracking information.
Shortly after, Mark received an email from the courier service, claiming that he needed to pay additional fees, duties, or taxes to have his package delivered. This is a common tactic used by scammers to extract more money from their victims. Thankfully, Mark was quick to recognize the warning signs and did not fall for the second part of the trick. Even better, because he insisted on using PayPal’s “Goods and Services” payment option instead of the “Friends and Family” option, he was able to lodge a case with PayPal and successfully get his money back.
Common Cannabis Scam Techniques
Mark’s story highlights several common techniques used by scammers in the cannabis industry:
- Fictitious Websites: Scammers often create fake websites that look professional and trustworthy. They may even have fake customer reviews and testimonials to lure you in.
- Bogus Couriers: After payment, scammers may use fictitious courier services to provide fake tracking information, making it seem like your order is on the way.
- Additional Payment Requests: Scammers may contact you asking for additional payments for “duties,” “taxes,” or “fees” before they can deliver your package. This is usually a red flag.
- Fake Payment Methods: Be wary of any seller who insists on payment methods that don’t offer buyer protection, such as using PayPal’s “Friends and Family” option or direct bank transfers.
How to Protect Yourself from Cannabis Scams
- Do Your Research: Always research the company before making a purchase. Look for genuine reviews, verify the company’s contact details, and check if they have a legitimate online presence.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Always use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal’s “Goods and Services” option or credit cards.
- Start Small: At Weed Supermarket, we allow customers to place small orders of as little as £15 to test out our services before committing to larger purchases. This way, you can feel confident in our reliability.
- Beware of Additional Fees: Weed Supermarket offers free delivery with every order, and we will never ask you for more money after you’ve completed your purchase. Be wary of any seller who demands extra payments after your initial transaction.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to rush you into making a decision. Take your time and don’t let them push you around.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Shop Smart
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but by staying informed and taking the right precautions, you can protect yourself. At Weed Supermarket, we are committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience. We hope Mark’s story serves as a reminder to be vigilant and cautious when buying cannabis products online. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. To view our list of products please click here.
