ApplyStim.com & ApplyNess.com: Dropshipping Fashion Scam
Updated: January 2026
ApplyStim/ApplyNess is a confirmed dropshipping scam targeting Instagram users.
Site claims to sell Dollskill fashion brand products at 90% discount ($5 for $50 items). Website existed less than 30 days old at time of Reddit post. Victims report no confirmation emails, no refunds, stolen money. One user confirmed bank refund was only recovery method.
Key Findings
What It Is
Instagram ads with 'end of year sale' messaging
Main Risk
Website created less than 30 days before purchase
Best Action
Do NOT buy from Instagram fashion advertisements
The Pattern
- →Instagram ads with 'end of year sale' messaging
- →Everything listed at $5 price point
- →Claims to be selling Dollskill brand items
- →Website recently created (under 1 month)
- →No customer service contact information
- →Charge immediately with no confirmation email
- →Victims receive tracking codes but items never arrive
- →No refund processing or customer support
Red Flags
- Warning: Website created less than 30 days before purchase
- Warning: Instagram advertisements (high scam indicator)
- Warning: Prices 90% below retail (too good to be true)
- Warning: No confirmation email after purchase
- Warning: Cannot look up order numbers on website
- Warning: Impersonating legitimate brand (Dollskill)
- Warning: No business address or contact information
- Warning: Payment taken immediately before order processing
- Warning: Generic product photos (typical of dropshipping scams)
- Warning: Multiple victims with identical experience
What To Do
- 1Do NOT buy from Instagram fashion advertisements
- 2If already charged: file credit card dispute immediately
- 3Document all communications (payment receipts, emails)
- 4Contact your bank's fraud department
- 5File complaint with FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- 6Report the Instagram ad to Facebook/Meta
- 7Screenshot everything before contacting bank
- 8Request full refund including any shipping fees
- 9Monitor account for additional unauthorized charges
- 10Post warning on product review sites and forums
What NOT To Do
- ✕Don't trust Instagram product ads
- ✕Don't assume prices that seem too good are legitimate
- ✕Don't ignore lack of confirmation emails
- ✕Don't wait for customer service (won't respond)
- ✕Don't expect refund without bank chargeback
- ✕Don't provide additional personal information
- ✕Don't click links from 'tracking emails'
- ✕Don't order from sites with no contact information
Copy-Paste Script
Purchased from ApplyStim/ApplyNess on [date] for $[amount]. No confirmation email. Website deleted/changed. Filing credit card dispute.
FAQ
Is ApplyStim/ApplyNess a legitimate retailer?
No. Multiple confirmed reports from victims show the site was created within 1 month of their purchases, impersonates Dollskill brand, charges immediately without confirmation, and provides no customer service. Classic dropshipping scam pattern.
Can I get my money back?
Yes, through credit card dispute. Bank your payment immediately as 'unauthorized charge' or 'goods not received.' This is your best option. Do NOT expect refund directly from the scam site—they won't respond.
Why do these scams target Instagram?
Instagram allows easy ad targeting, cryptocurrency payments, and lax enforcement. Scammers create new accounts and sites constantly. Instagram profits from ad spending even if the advertiser is fraudulent.
How do I spot similar scams?
Red flags: (1) Instagram ads with unrealistic discounts, (2) New websites (check domain age), (3) No real customer service, (4) Impersonating known brands, (5) Immediate charges without confirmation emails, (6) Generic product photos.
Should I report this to Instagram?
Yes, report the ad as 'scam/fraud' through Instagram's reporting feature. Also report to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This helps protect other users, though individual Instagram enforcement is slow.
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