Protect Yourself from the GRA Moissanite Diamond Scam: Tips from Expert Jewelers

 

*IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO YOU PLEASE CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEP. FOR ASSISTANCE. PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING ANY CALLS OR EMAILS REGARDING THIS SCAM AS WE HAVE NO PART IN IT.*

 

As a consumer, you may have heard about the GRA Moissanite diamond engagement ring scam that is making the rounds online. If you're curious about this fraudulent scheme, its inner workings, and strategies to protect yourself, we're here to help. As expert jewelers with a wealth of expertise in the Moissanite gemstone sector, we're well aware of the prevalence of such scams and strive to keep you well-informed. In this blog post we will cover the GRA Moissanite scam in depth, and provide you ways to keep yourself when shopping online. With our guidance, you'll know how to stay safe and not fall victim to these scams.

 

What is the Gra Moissanite Engagement Ring Scam?

The GRA Moissanite ring scam is a sophisticated operation run by seasoned e-commerce vendors, who leverage customers' personal data (e.g., addresses) without their knowledge to make money. These fraudsters, also referred to as "brushers," obtain customer information from compromised websites. In this case, these trade professionals are sending out GRA "certified" Moissanite rings instead of what the customers originally ordered, with the intention to make money by charging consumers credit cards for a higher value than what the fake ring is worth. In some cases, these websites pay people to write fake, positive reviews about their fake products, and use the stolen addresses to correlate with the positive review. It is an extreme way of fraud to make money, so it is important to be aware of this scam for yourself and your loved ones.

There have been many reports of customer questions sent via email to the vendors looking for a refund as their original purchase had not arrived, with the vendors assuring that the ring is worth more than what they paid for. Various consumers have reported communication with the seller stopping shortly after looking for refund from them (which in majority of cases, these vendors will not reimburse, so it is important to cancel your credit card and submit a fraud case with your bank). The content visible on the outer packages of these orders typically have the fake sellers address and sometimes a fake email, in addition to posing as other well known brands. The GRA "certification" that comes with the rings are fake; created to look just like the certification for real Moissanite rings.

As these scams rely on consumers to shop on their websites, online shopping safety is paramount. There are various ways to ensure you're protected, such as looking for websites with sound certification authority and scrutinizing all search results associated with the company before making a purchase.

 

Browse Our Certified Moissanite Engagement Rings 

 

What to Look Out for When Online Shopping for Various Gemstones Services Worldwide

Online shopping for loose gemstones (such as diamonds, sapphires or yellow green peridot) or Moissanite engagement rings can be a convenient and cost-effective way to find the perfect piece of jewelry or the perfect gift for your loved one. However, it is important to be cautious when making such purchases. One thing to look out for is the authenticity of the gemstone or diamond. Be sure to research the seller, read reviews, read the specific info provided on the website and inspect the product thoroughly when it arrives. In the case of Moissanite engagement rings, which are a popular alternative to diamonds, it is important to understand the differences between the two gemstones to ensure that you are getting what you paid for. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, making it more brilliant and sparkly. It is also more affordable than diamonds, so be wary of sellers who price their Moissanite engagement rings similarly to diamond rings. Always shop from reputable and certified sellers to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

Tips to Avoid Falling Victim To an Online Scam

To keep yourself safe online, the most important tips are to never share sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, with unknown or untrusted sources. Always verify the legitimacy of any website or email that requests such information, and never enter sensitive passwords into unknown sites. Many reports of the Moissanite ring scam have been from consumers who have shopped on sites thinking they were credible, however they are fraudulent sites. It is important to look out for any spelling mistakes, double letters or generally anything unusual in the website name, as this is typically a clear indicator the website may be fraudulent. Beyond this, it is important to shop on websites with sound certification authority, read customer feedback and reviews, and scrutinize all search results associated with the company before making a purchase. Be cautious of what you double tap, or "like" on social media, as you don't want to be continuously spammed by fake content. Do not be tempted by quick solutions or offers that sound too good to be true.

In conclusion, keeping yourself safe when online shopping is essential to protecting your personal and financial information from online scammers so that you don't fall victim to scams such as the GRA Moissanite ring scam. By following simple steps, such as only shopping on reputable websites and keeping your personal information to yourself, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercrime. Remember to always verify the legitimacy of a website before making a purchase and to be suspicious of any offers that seem too good to be true. It's also important to be cautious of phishing emails that may attempt to lure you into giving away your personal information, especially on social media. By remaining vigilant and informed, you can feel confident and secure while shopping online. If you have any questions regarding the GRA Moissanite ring scam, please don't hesitate to contact us today and we will be happy to help you out.