Brian Smith

It's frustrating to realize you were scammed by Brian Smith and "DesignsCustomBoxes.com" (brian@designscustomboxes.com). Here's what you can do to recover and protect yourself:

1. Report the Scam:

• FTC: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps them track fraudulent activity and potentially take action against scammers.
• Bank: If you paid via bank transfer, contact your bank immediately and explain the situation. They may be able to help you recover the funds if the transaction was recent.

2. Dispute the Charge: If you used a credit card, dispute the charge with your credit card company. Explain that you were scammed and never received the custom logo mailer boxes.

3. Protect Yourself: Going forward, be cautious of businesses offering suspiciously low prices, especially when they encourage alternative payment methods to avoid "fees."

4. Research Before You Buy: Before placing an order with a new company, do your research:

• Reviews: Look for online reviews from other customers. Trustworthy businesses should have positive feedback.
• Contact Information: Verify that the company has a legitimate phone number and physical address (not just a P.O. Box).
• Payment Methods: Reputable businesses typically accept secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.

The scammer offered design services and "accepted" credit cards, but ultimately pushed for a bank transfer to "save on fees." This is a red flag.

Pro Tip: Scammers often try to lure you into using insecure payment methods like bank transfers or money orders because these transactions are difficult to reverse. When a company heavily encourages alternative payment methods, it's a major red flag. Always prioritize secure payment options like credit cards with buyer protection.

Here's how CredCheck by ScamCheckup.com ([https://scamcheckup.com/]) could have helped you:

• Website Analysis: CredCheck could analyze "DesignsCustomBoxes.com" (brian@designscustomboxes.com) for suspicious red flags – like recent creation date, lack of contact information, or generic design.

• Domain Name Lookup: CredCheck can perform a domain name lookup to see who owns and registered the website. If the information is hidden or anonymous, that's a red flag.

Remember, a little research and caution can go a long way in preventing future scams. Don't be afraid to walk away from deals that seem too good to be true, and prioritize secure payment methods for online purchases.