dropshipping-scamsgoogle-shopping-fraudtoo-good-to-be-true-pricingnew-domain-red-flag

Instant Discount Deals: Domain Age & 75% Off = Dropshipping Scam

Q: How can I check a domain's age?

Use whois.com, domainwhois.com, or godaddy whois tool. Look for 'Created Date' and 'Expiration Date.' If created <6 months ago AND site seems suspicious = major red flag. Also check registration length—1 year is scam indicator; 3+ years = more legitimate.

Q: Are Google Shopping ads trustworthy?

No. Google lets ANYONE with a payment method buy ads, including scammers. Google doesn't verify seller legitimacy. Google Shopping verification means someone paid for ads, NOT that seller is trustworthy. Always check domain age and reviews independently.

Q: Why is 75% off so suspicious?

Because it's impossible for legitimate retailers. Real discounts are 10-40%. 75% off suggests either: (1) stolen goods, (2) counterfeit items, (3) dropshipping scam charging you 30x cost, or (4) straight fraud with no intent to ship. The deeper the discount, the higher the scam risk.

Q: What should I do if already charged?

File credit card chargeback immediately claiming 'goods not received' or 'fraud.' Most banks refund within 30-60 days. Act fast—chargebacks are easier if reported promptly. Also report site to FTC. If you wait months and never followed up, bank may deny chargeback.

Q: What are safer ways to shop online?

Buy from: (1) Official brand websites, (2) Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco, Best Buy, (3) Sites with 3+ years history AND good reviews on Trustpilot, (4) Never buy from social media ads alone. When in doubt about a site, research it first. 'If too good to be true, it is.'

Updated: January 2026

SCAM

OnlineSale.

com (similar to InstantDiscountDeals) is a confirmed dropshipping scam. Reddit analysis: domain registered March 21, 2022 with 1-year registration (classic scam indicator). Prices 75% below retail (Husky cabinets 1/8 price). Products sourced from AliExpress. Red flags: typo 'Lawn Movers' and 'Securety payments', no customer reviews, found via Google Shopping ads. One user posted WHOIS analysis: Alibaba registrar, AliDNS nameservers (China), registered for 1 year only.

Key Findings

What It Is

Domain registered 1-6 months prior

Main Risk

Domain registered recently (WHOIS check shows March 2022 = 2 weeks old at post)

Best Action

Check domain age via whois.com or domainwhois.com BEFORE purchasing

The Pattern

→Domain registered 1-6 months prior
→Google Shopping advertisements
→Prices 60-90% below retail value
→Products mix oddly (tools, electronics, appliances all together)
→No customer reviews or social presence online
→Generic product photos copied from suppliers
→Professional-looking website despite new domain
→Immediate charge with no confirmation email
→Alibaba registrar or similar Chinese registry

Red Flags

Warning: Domain registered recently (WHOIS check shows March 2022 = 2 weeks old at post)
Warning: Single-year domain registration (most scams register 1-year, legit sites 3-5 years)
Warning: Prices 75% below retail (impossible without subsidy)
Warning: Product mix illogical (why tools + electronics together?)
Warning: Typos on professional-looking site (Lawn Movers, Securety)
Warning: Zero customer reviews on Google, Trustpilot, BBB, Yelp
Warning: Found through Google Shopping ads (scammers pay for ads easily)
Warning: Alibaba/Chinese registrar
Warning: AliDNS nameservers (China-based)
Warning: No company address or verifiable presence

What To Do

1Check domain age via whois.com or domainwhois.com BEFORE purchasing
2If domain <6 months old AND suspicious pricing: DON'T BUY
3Only buy from sites with 3+ years domain history
4Search site name on Trustpilot, BBB, Google Reviews first
5Use credit card (not debit) for buyer protection
6If charged: file credit card dispute immediately
7Screenshot product listing AND price before checkout
8Report the site to Google Shopping as scam
9Report the site to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
10Warn others on scam forums and review sites

What NOT To Do

✕Don't buy from sites found ONLY via Google/Facebook ads
✕Don't assume Google Shopping verification = legitimate
✕Don't ignore new domain dates as red flag
✕Don't fall for 'limited time sale' urgency tactics
✕Don't buy from sites with zero reviews
✕Don't trust professional-looking websites alone
✕Don't use debit cards (no dispute protection)
✕Don't send wire transfers or use non-refundable payment
✕Don't expect to win via chargeback if you wait months to report

Copy-Paste Script

Purchased [product] from [domain] on [date] for $[amount]. Domain registered [months] ago. Price 75% off retail. Filing credit card dispute.

FAQ

How can I check a domain's age?

Use whois.com, domainwhois.com, or godaddy whois tool. Look for 'Created Date' and 'Expiration Date.' If created <6 months ago AND site seems suspicious = major red flag. Also check registration length—1 year is scam indicator; 3+ years = more legitimate.

Are Google Shopping ads trustworthy?

No. Google lets ANYONE with a payment method buy ads, including scammers. Google doesn't verify seller legitimacy. Google Shopping verification means someone paid for ads, NOT that seller is trustworthy. Always check domain age and reviews independently.

Why is 75% off so suspicious?

Because it's impossible for legitimate retailers. Real discounts are 10-40%. 75% off suggests either: (1) stolen goods, (2) counterfeit items, (3) dropshipping scam charging you 30x cost, or (4) straight fraud with no intent to ship. The deeper the discount, the higher the scam risk.

What should I do if already charged?

File credit card chargeback immediately claiming 'goods not received' or 'fraud.' Most banks refund within 30-60 days. Act fast—chargebacks are easier if reported promptly. Also report site to FTC. If you wait months and never followed up, bank may deny chargeback.

What are safer ways to shop online?