3 Air Fryer Scams To Avoid This Season

Leave a Comment / By Selma Hrynchuk / September 13, 2023 September 13, 2023

Protect Yourself From Air Fryer Scams: 3 Common Pitfalls and Expert Tips

Air fryers have become an indispensable kitchen appliance for many, revolutionizing how we cook and enjoy our favorite meals. However, with their growing popularity, scammers capitalize on the opportunity to prey on unsuspecting buyers.

This article will highlight common air fryer scams and equip you with expert insights on how to protect yourself against fraudsters, especially as we approach the Black Friday week and the holiday shopping season.

1. Brand Impersonation: Ninja Air Fryer From Argos

The Scam: Fraudsters have used air fryers to execute phishing scams. For instance, they may impersonate well-known retailers like Argos, offering a free Ninja air fryer in exchange for participating in an online survey. These scams aim to collect personal information for malicious purposes.

Expert Advice: Be cautious when encountering offers that seem too good to be true. Always verify the authenticity of such offers by visiting the official website of the retailer in question. Legitimate companies rarely offer free products in exchange for personal information.

Stay informed about reported phishing scams and fraudulent websites offering heavily discounted air fryers. Use reliable sources to research and make informed decisions.

2. Fake Facebook Ads

The Scam: Scammers often employ Facebook ads to lure in potential victims. These ads appear out of nowhere, promising incredible deals on air fryers. The scammers invest in creating visually appealing advertisements that seem too good to resist.

Expert Advice: Avoid clicking on these ads at all costs. Clicking on them may prompt you to make a payment through a debit/credit card or PayPal, and once you do, your money is gone, and you won’t receive the air fryer.

Additionally, these ads may disappear later in the day, leaving you no recourse for tracking down the scammer. Exercise caution on social media platforms and report suspicious ads to protect others from falling into the same trap.

3. Extremely Low Prices

The Scam: Scammers often entice buyers with unbelievably low prices for air fryers, mainly in online marketplaces. While budget-friendly air fryers exist, a brand-new air fryer selling for less than $30, especially with additional items included, is a significant red flag.

Expert Advice: Before making a purchase, conduct due diligence. Verify the website’s legitimacy by confirming the existence of an actual business behind it. Search for the same air fryer model on reputable retailer sites to see if the price aligns with market standards.

Attempt to contact the seller using the provided information, and be wary if they do not respond promptly. Any inconsistencies or unanswered inquiries should deter you from proceeding with the purchase.

But wait, here is more.

How To Detect A Fraudulent Air Fryer Website

The best way to avoid all the fake air fryer sites is to detect and block them. How to do that? Here are two easy ways – see below:

1. Use a powerful tool that notifies you if a website is real or not. Install a browser extension called Guardio HERE (we tested it, it works and is worth every penny). It automatically blocks 100x more harmful websites than any other tool. Very effective not just for air fryer websites, but for all sites on the internet.

2. If you feel a website selling air fryers might be suspicious, feel free to verify it using our unique Scam Detector website validator below:

Verify a website below

Are you just about to make a purchase online? See if the website is legit with our validator:

vldtr®

Searching: Domain age, Alexa rank, HTTPS valid, Blacklisting, SSL certificates, Source code, Location, IP address, WOT Trustworthiness, Spam reports, Advanced technology, Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Contact options

Other Kitchen Item Scams

Besides the common air fryer scams presented above, here is some info about fraud involving other kitchen tools. Be aware of the ones below, listed along with expert advice on how to protect yourself:

Cutlery Counterfeit

The Scam: Scammers often target online marketplaces to sell counterfeit or subpar kitchen knives and cutlery sets. They create listings that mimic reputable brands with convincing product images and descriptions. These fake products can be dangerous in terms of both quality and safety.

Expert Advice: To avoid falling for cutlery counterfeits, only purchase kitchen knives and utensils from well-established retailers. Also, use official websites of reputable brands. Check product reviews and ratings from other buyers to ensure the authenticity and quality of the items.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Invest in high-quality kitchen tools to ensure your safety and the longevity of your equipment.

Appliance Repair Scams

The Scam: Fraudulent appliance repair services often target homeowners who encounter issues with their kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, or dishwashers. Scammers pose as repair professionals, charge upfront fees, and provide subpar or unnecessary services, leaving consumers with unresolved problems and wasted money.

Expert Advice: To protect yourself from appliance repair scams, research and hire licensed and certified repair technicians from reputable companies. Ask for references and check online reviews to gauge the company’s reputation.

Always request a written estimate and ensure the technician explains the issue and proposed repairs clearly. Be cautious of upfront payments and avoid services that seem rushed or incomplete.

If you suspect a scam, report it to your local consumer protection agency. See below how.

Fake Kitchen Appliance Warranties

The Scam: Same as in the air fryer scams, crooks may contact homeowners via email or phone, claiming to represent the manufacturer of their kitchen appliances. They offer extended warranties for a fee and promise comprehensive coverage for unexpected repairs. These warranties are often fake, and the scammers disappear after collecting the payment.

Expert Advice: Be wary of unsolicited warranty offers. Legitimate appliance manufacturers typically do not contact customers directly for warranty extensions. If you receive such an offer, verify the company’s legitimacy by contacting the appliance manufacturer through their official website or customer service number.

Review your existing warranty documentation to determine if an extension is necessary. Always read the terms and conditions of any warranty carefully and avoid providing personal or financial information over the phone or email.

How To Report a Scammer

Air fryers have undoubtedly transformed our culinary experience, but staying vigilant and informed is crucial to protect yourself from scams.

Exercise caution, report suspicious activity, and share your experiences in the comments to help others avoid falling victim to air fryer scams. Feel free to share this page if it was helpful. Meanwhile, you can report scammers and any other suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using the portal below:

How To Protect Yourself More

If you want to be the first to receive notifications about the most prevalent scams weekly, subscribe to our Scam Detector newsletter. You will receive periodic emails from us with insightful tips. That will include how to prevent fraud and information about the newest tools you can use to fight crime.

Meanwhile, feel free to educate yourself with some other e-commerce fraud-related articles. They are listed under this paragraph, so that you know more about online security. Last but not least, if you have any bad experiences, make sure to use the comments section below to expose other online scammers.