The Cape Union Mart Group has become the target of an international scam, according to a statement from the company.
This was in response to questions that IOL sent to the group after noticing fake Cape Union Mart advertisements on Facebook.
The group said that the digital platforms of Cape Union Mart and Poetry stores have been targeted by fraudsters who use fabricated social media adverts to direct traffic to fake websites.
These fake websites trick innocent customers into purchasing items from these bogus sites.
These fraudulent digital platforms offer products at discounted prices which are significantly lower than their standard rates, according to the group.
Patuvuyo Mtiya, PR Officer, Cape Union Mart Group said: “Despite our best efforts to combat this activity, these scams continue to pose a threat to our valued customers and the integrity of our proudly South African brands.
“While we are not the only company experiencing such fraudulent activities, we believe it is crucial to alert the public and take steps to protect consumers from falling victim to these scams.”
The Cape Union Mart Group is encouraging all consumers to exercise caution and to take all of the necessary precautions when shopping online.
Mtiya offers the following tips to customers to protect themselves from scammers:
– Verify website authenticity: Customers should ensure that they are shopping on the official Cape Union Mart and Poetry websites (www.capeunionmart.co.za / www.poetrystores.co.za).
– Be wary of unbelievable deals: If an offer seems too good to be true, it likely is. Products from the Cape Union Mart Group are priced to reflect their quality and value.
– Report suspicious activity: If customers encounter any digital platform claiming to be Cape Union Mart or Poetry Stores and offering unusually low prices, please report it immediately to Cape Union Mart Group.
Mtiya said that they are committed to maintaining the highest standards of security and trust for their customers and will continue to work diligently to combat these fraudulent activities.
The Cape Union Mart Group, which is based in Cape Town, houses three major retail chains and collectively has more than 200 stores.
IOL Business