Fake Stanley Cups Are Duping Customers

In the rush to acquire the latest trend at a reduced price, some customers are being duped by fake Stanley cups. These replicas are being sold online in a quest to capitalize on the popularity of the insulated beverage holder.

After starting the year with an exclusive Starbucks release — the 40-ounce Winter Pink Stanley — and the Target release of its pink and red versions, fans are now searching for these hard-to-find items online. However, they are being duped by unscrupulous resellers who sell fake copies.

Police have warned Stanley fanatics, saying they should be aware of online scammers selling fake Stanleys for a cheaper price. One police department in Illinois issued the following warning on social media: “Beware of tricky websites using the brand’s popularity. Shady websites pretending to offer discounts on Stanley cups have been found to be scamming shoppers.”

Authorities warn of questionable websites that have falsely advertised cheap Stanley tumblers for as low as $5.99. So if it’s too good to be true, it probably is, authorities suggest.

For those who’ve resorted to a less-than-reputable online merchant, the police department says such customers are at heightened risk of being dried out financially. “If you purchase a cup through a shady website, your personal information may be compromised and your money…gone,” the warning stated.

In June 2023, the Better Business Bureau warned consumers to watch for fake Stanley cups. Although many copies look identical to the original product, they may not be.

The site suggests several tips for ensuring your purchase and your personal information. Even if you think you are on a well-known vendor’s website, you might not be. Scammers are experts at making lookalike websites to fool consumers into entering their personal and payment information. Ensure the URL isn’t off by a word or even a letter.

Also, check out a business’s social media feed and website, and read reviews about the company on third-party websites to ensure they are a real business with real customers, quality products, and good customer service, the BBB suggests.

Finally, when making purchases online, only buy products from reputable businesses. If you find a great deal through a seller you’ve never heard of, do your best to determine if they are legitimate before handing over money and personal banking information.