With the popularity of bourbon ever-increasing, the rise in bourbon bottle scams is rising. Even at The Bourbon Flight, I continuously remove comments from our social media sites, offering new-release bourbons. I have included an example of an individual trying to scam a potential buyer. If the consumer pays close attention to the story, most of the new releases have yet to be released to the public, so how could a random seller on the internet have a few bottles lying around?
I have included steps to help buyers avoid being scammed this holiday season.
- Buy from reputable sources: Purchase bourbon only from trusted and licensed retailers or online platforms with a good reputation. Stick to established liquor stores or well-known online marketplaces.
- Research the seller: Before purchasing, research the seller or the website where you plan to buy the bourbon. Look for reviews, customer feedback, and any possible complaints about their legitimacy. Scammers often have negative feedback or reviews from previous victims.
- Verify authenticity: If you come across a rare or limited-edition bourbon, verify its authenticity before buying. Counterfeit bottles are a common scam, so research the bourbon and check for any distinctive markings or packaging elements in genuine bottles.
- Watch out for unusually low prices: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers may offer unrealistically low prices to entice buyers. Compare prices across different sellers to ensure the price is reasonable and within the market range.
- Secure payment methods: Always use secure payment methods when buying bourbon online. Credit cards or reputable payment platforms like PayPal provide buyer protection and make it easier to dispute fraudulent transactions.
- Be wary of unsolicited offers: Be cautious if someone reaches out to you offering bourbon for sale, especially if you have not expressed interest in purchasing. Scammers may cold-call, send unsolicited emails, or contact you through social media. Do not engage with such individuals and avoid sharing personal or financial information.
- Be cautious with online auctions: Participating in bourbon auctions can be risky. Research the auctioning platform thoroughly, read the terms and conditions, and ensure the auction house has strict verification processes to authenticate the sold bottles.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, trust your instincts and refrain from purchasing. It is better to be safe than sorry. Remember, vigilance and caution are key when buying bourbon or other products online. Stay informed about common scams, protect your personal information, and only purchase from trustworthy sources.
Here is an X account that only identifies whiskey scammers. https://twitter.com/WhiskeyScam
I hope this helps in your quest to build a bourbon collection.
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