The heatwaves across the world are intensifying and so too are scams targeting cooling systems’ buyers. Posing as well known brands, they lure overheated consumers with fake offers and “too good to be true” discounts on fans and air conditioners. Fraudulent schemes are waiting for users not only on websites, but also in emails. Kaspersky is warning shoppers to stay vigilant while purchasing cooling devices and offering practical tips to avoid falling victim to these scams.
In one example, scammers impersonate an existing brand that manufactures portable air coolers. On the fake online store, they display authentic product photos and even post genuine‑looking customer reviews to boost credibility. To pressure shoppers into acting quickly, they advertise time‑limited discounts, prompting victims to enter their payment information and personal data without giving it a second thought. Victims make a payment but receive nothing, their card information is stolen and later may be used for fraud.
An example of a web page impersonating an existing brand
To trick users into handing over money or credentials, scammers are also setting up sites that mimic well‑known retailers. These counterfeit pages copy the original store’s design and use real products as a basis. The scheme mirrors the previous one: scammers advertise a time‑limited discount, claim a limited quantity of items, and even display the exact number of visitors viewing the product at that moment or set a limited period for purchase.
“Pressuring buyers to act fast is one of the common techniques that scammers use. When demand spikes, warnings that only a few items are left or that a discount is about to expire can easily compel users to enter financial details or personal data. To avoid falling victim to such scams, stay calm and double‑check everything, especially the website’s URL and design. If you’re unsure about a site’s authenticity, look it up in a search engine to verify it’s legitimate, or use a security software to perform the check,” comments Olga Altukhova, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky.
Kaspersky experts shares several tips on how to spot a scam while shopping online:
· Be wary of any large-scale discounts and very time-limited offers. This may be a signal that the offer is fake.
· Double-check e-shop websites before filling out any information. Look for misspellings, extra characters, or a different domain.
· Do not trust any links or attachments received by mail. Double-check the sender before opening anything.
· Compare the product’s description and photos with the official manufacturer’s site. If you’re buying from a well-known retailer, take the time to go to the official site in the web browser and find this product there.
· Consider using a security solution with strong anti-phishing component. Kaspersky Premium protects users from fraudulent online stores through advanced detection technology that analyzes website characteristics and URLs to identify suspicious patterns. For its outstanding fake shops detection capabilities and excellent performance in AV-Comparatives Fake Shops Detection certification in 2025, Kaspersky Premium was awarded an “Approved” certificate, making it the perfect choice for confident online shopping.
