Secure Your Shopping: Great Circle's Advice on Avoiding Counterfeits & Scams
Hello Great Circle Community,
As we navigate the convenience of online shopping, it's important to be aware of website cloning. This is where scammers create replicas of legitimate websites to trick people into thinking they're dealing with the real site. Great Circle Machinery (GCM), parent company to brands like SuperHandy, Landworks, Reelworks, Alphaworks, ApolloSmart, and G brand, wants to ensure you know how to spot these fakes and protect yourself.
What is Website Cloning?
Website cloning involves duplicating the appearance and functionality of a legitimate website to commit fraud. This could involve stealing personal and financial information or selling counterfeit products under the guise of trusted brands. It's a sophisticated scam that can be hard to detect, making it a significant threat to online shoppers (Federal Trade Commission).
Spotting the Fakes
To keep your online shopping experience safe, here are some guidelines:
- Verify Website Addresses: Always check the URL closely for any odd spellings or unexpected characters.
- Seek Secure Connections: Look for "HTTPS" in the website address and a padlock icon in your browser's address bar.
- Evaluate Deals: Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true—they probably are.
- Research Contact Information: Legitimate sites offer clear contact details. If these are missing or suspicious, be cautious.
Authorized Retailers and How to Check
While we partner with several retailers, here's a non-exhaustive list as of 02/28/23:
- SuperHandyUS.com
- Northern Tool
- Tractor Supply Company (TSC)
- FactoryPure
- Walmart (sold by Great Circle)
- Amazon (sold by Brand name, Woot)
- Lowes
- Woot.com
To ensure a retailer is authorized:
- Check Our Official Website: We keep an up-to-date list of authorized retailers.
- Contact Customer Service: Our team can verify the legitimacy of a retailer.
- Look for Official Badges: Authorized partners often display a badge or certification from us.
Our Commitment
Your safety is our top priority at GCM and all our brands. We're proactive in monitoring and addressing fraudulent activities to keep our customers safe. If you come across a suspicious website, please let us know.
Stay Frosty
By being informed and cautious, we can all avoid falling victim to website cloning scams. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a vigilant part of our community.
Stay Safe,
The Great Circle Team
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