Skip to main content
dropshipping-scamsfake-designer-brandsinstagram-shopping-scamfashion-fraud

ApplyStim.com & ApplyNess.com: Dropshipping Fashion Scam

Updated: January 2026

SCAM

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

Red Flags

What To Do

  1. 1Do NOT buy from Instagram fashion advertisements
  2. 2If already charged: file credit card dispute immediately
  3. 3Document all communications (payment receipts, emails)
  4. 4Contact your bank's fraud department
  5. 5File complaint with FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
  6. 6Report the Instagram ad to Facebook/Meta
  7. 7Screenshot everything before contacting bank
  8. 8Request full refund including any shipping fees
  9. 9Monitor account for additional unauthorized charges
  10. 10Post warning on product review sites and forums

What NOT To Do

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Related Topics

Learn more about similar scams and consumer protection strategies