Consumers Union warns! Beware of 'mystery box' scams

Mahmut Şahin, Chairman of the Consumers Association, stated that consumers may experience problems with products they purchase through social media under the guise of "mystery boxes."

Şahin said that scammers are trying to deceive consumers on some social media platforms with posts such as "cheap mystery box sales," "famous store warehouse surplus items," and "box contains valuable items."

Şahin explained that "mystery box" sales, which are rapidly spreading on social media with fake ads, are victimizing consumers and warned consumers not to trust websites and social media platforms other than reliable and well-known shopping platforms.

Şahin stated that consumers should be skeptical of "surprise" campaigns that appear very attractive, pointing out that boxes purchased at high prices may contain worthless items or that the boxes sent to consumers are empty.

Şahin stated that the scammers were actually making fun of the consumer and that depositing money into a box whose contents were unknown was an illogical move.

"THEY'RE EYES ARE ON YOUR POCKETS AND YOUR MONEY"

Şahin, recalling that the Advertising Board had recently decided to block access to sites selling items under the guise of "mystery boxes," said the Ministry of Trade was also monitoring the situation.

Şahin stated that some people would not give away expensive items or equipment for cheap or even free for no reason, and continued:

We have sayings like, "It's not a holiday, it's not a festival, it's a charity," or "Free cheese is found in a mousetrap." You're being lured into a trap. This is actually a message. We need to realize we need to stay away from this. Otherwise, someone is lying in wait, exploiting the idea of ​​innocently selling damaged products for cheap, and their eyes are on the money in consumers' pockets. Mystery boxes usually end in disappointment. Consumers might expect expensive gadgets, a valuable phone, or a game console, but instead find a toy or some worthless, nonsensical item. They're looking for your pockets and your money. Please don't let that happen."

Şahin emphasized that consumers who shop using remote sales management should definitely choose sites where they can obtain documents.

Şahin explained that they cannot defend consumers in the case of undocumented "mystery box" purchases, and noted the following:

"Under normal circumstances, when we encounter a problem with a purchased product, we can obtain documentation and defend the consumer, even if it's a distance sale. But here, there's no documentation at hand. Whether it contains a toy, a cucumber, or nothing at all, you're still paying for that box. As Consumer Arbitration Committees, we can't help you because it's just a visual, and you're buying that box. It's as if you're paying for the outside of that box. We can't defend you. Please don't fall into these traps."