The fraudulent shops typically offer discounted prices, making the offer seem even more tempting to unsuspecting buyers.
SA Rugby has recently issued an urgent “buyer beware” warning to all rugby fans, alerting them to a growing number of fraudulent online stores posing as the official Springbok shop.
These scams have proliferated on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where they are exploiting the passion of Springbok supporters by masquerading as legitimate sellers of official team merchandise.
These deceptive online shops often use authentic Springbok images and credible-sounding store names to lure fans into believing they are purchasing from the official source. They also replicate marketing materials from trusted sources, such as SA Rugby’s apparel partner, Nike, and the official online Springbok store, in an effort to appear genuine.
🚨 WARNING! 🚨 Beware of online scammers pretending to be the SA Rugby Shop! There is only one – more here: https://t.co/R0E1XWGAzR ⚠#Springboks pic.twitter.com/ovjwBXa2xt
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 29, 2024
The fraudulent shops typically offer discounted prices, making the offer seem even more tempting to unsuspecting buyers.
However, SA Rugby has emphasised that there is only one official online store where fans can purchase authentic Springbok merchandise, including official clothing and licensed supporter items. This store, which guarantees the authenticity of all products as well as secure orders and deliveries, can be accessed at www.sarugbyshop.co.za.
Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, voiced his concern about the increasing number of these fraudulent stores. “There has been a worrying proliferation of online stores on social media channels, preying on fans’ trust and their eagerness for Bok supporter wear,” Oberholzer said.
“These fraudsters cut-and-paste genuine marketing material from our apparel partner Nike and our own online store to pass themselves off as official, offering discounted prices.”
Oberholzer urged fans to exercise caution and to only purchase from the official online store to avoid falling victim to these scams.
“We are issuing an urgent ‘buyer beware’ warning to fans to not fall for online fraudsters but to go to the official online store so as not to fall victim to online scam artists.”
With the Springboks’ global appeal and the excitement surrounding the team, it is crucial for fans to be vigilant and to ensure they are supporting their team through legitimate channels.
By doing so, they can enjoy their purchases with peace of mind, knowing that they are contributing to their team and receiving genuine, high-quality merchandise.
