Scam Type
Counterfeit Product Scam
Business Name Used
PENNYUS
Date Reported
Oct 20, 2022
Victim Postal Code
20678
Total Dollars Lost
83
Scam Description
Responded to a Facebook ad for the Queen Elizabeth II limited edition Platinum Jubilee doll, priced at $69.99. I researched this product and the photo in the ad was of the genuine QE II Barbie doll. Since PayPal was not offered as a payment option, I used a credit/debit card to pay a total of $82.98 for the doll inclu shipping and handling. On the same date, I received two email confirmations for this order and payment. One was from PennyUS for the doll. The other was from luckygaga llc for the payment. Subsequently, I encountered difficulty logging into my bank account. Some internet research turned up PennyUS as a “suspicious website.” I changed my password and, ultimately, requested a new credit card from my bank.
I did not receive any further information or a tracking number from PennyUS. The doll did not arrive. The order number I was given was not valid.
On October 5, I sent an email to PennyUS inquiring where my order was. I received another confirmation of an order for this doll and several emails stating the doll would be shipped. Since it was to be a birthday gift and would obviously not arrive in time, this was no help at all.
On Oct 19, 2022, a package arrived via USPS. Return address was from Judy Wang in Chino, CA. Packaging consisted of two plastic bags with no packing material or outer box to shield the flimsy 3-sided cardboard box containing the doll. The fourth side was cellophane. The box was damaged, crushed and torn, and the doll was rumpled with decorative elements torn off the costume. Not that this mattered since this was clearly not the Mattel Barbie pictured in the listing.
The doll I received was a poorly made knock-off dressed in a cheap costume that actually included combat boots. It did not resemble the item in the Facebook ad.
Some additional research into PennyUS and “Judy” Wang revealed that Judy wang appears to be Jing Wang who is listed as the agent for multiple other businesses in California. There was no packing slip or instructions on how to return the item in the package I received. I could not find a phone number listed for the company. It appears to be one of many business sites operated by this individual.
Moral of this story is beware of Facebook ads from unknown websites and always research unknown websites before you purchase.
