Online shopping scams: a cautionary case about Kockabolygó and Kockaváros

The story of Balázs, one of our readers, serves as a cautionary example of the risks in online shopping and highlights the need for vigilance, even when dealing with seemingly trustworthy sellers.

The Beginning of the Scam: A “Trusted Store” Webshop

Balázs wanted to purchase a Back to the Future-themed LEGO set for Christmas. Being a cautious shopper, he used Árukereső, a price comparison site, to find the best deal. He discovered the Kockabolygó webshop, which offered the best price and had a 4.5+ rating based on over 3,000 reviews. The webshop also carried the “Trusted Store” badge, so Balázs felt confident in his choice.

He paid 62,110 forints upfront for the LEGO set, but the item never arrived within the promised five-day delivery period. When days turned into weeks without any updates, Balázs attempted to contact the webshop’s operators. However, there was no phone number listed, and emails went unanswered, raising serious red flags. This prompted him to investigate further.

Red Flags and Negative Reviews

Upon closer inspection, Balázs discovered numerous one-star reviews on Árukereső, with customers complaining about not receiving their orders. The site also displayed a suspiciously large number of five-star reviews, which were likely fabricated to counterbalance the negative feedback.

He also found that the company behind the webshop, Pomaikai Kft., registered in Nyáregyháza, had a history of suspicious activities. The company was associated with several other problematic businesses, including Snaildev Kft. and Kanaha Kft., both of which were involved in similar dubious operations. These entities were linked to financial irregularities and even enforcement actions, yet continued to operate.

Response from Authorities and Árukereső

Balázs reported the issue to Árukereső, but the platform stated that the “Trusted Store” badge is automatically assigned based on user ratings and that it does not oversee the operations of listed merchants. The company recommended contacting the authorities instead.

Balázs filed a police report and attempted to have the webshop taken down through its hosting provider, but the latter refused to act without a legal mandate. The only success he had was with Google, which eventually removed Kockabolygó’s business details from Google Maps. However, by then, many customers had already fallen victim to the scam.

Lessons Learned

1. Don’t blindly trust the “Trusted Store” badge: The badge is based purely on ratings and does not guarantee a merchant’s reliability.
2. Read customer reviews thoroughly: Pay attention to patterns in reviews, especially complaints about unfulfilled orders.
3. Beware of red flags: Missing contact information, unresponsive customer service, and a mix of glowing and damning reviews are all warning signs.
4. Avoid upfront payments when possible: Choose payment methods that allow for refunds in case of disputes.

Why Are Scammers Left Unchecked?

The lack of robust enforcement and oversight allows scammers to continue their operations for extended periods. Despite several complaints, including Balázs’s police report, the webshops remained active for weeks, enabling more victims to be scammed.

Balázs’s ordeal cost him over 60,000 forints, but the real lesson is that online shopping requires caution. During the holiday season, the rush to find the perfect gift can make even experienced shoppers vulnerable to fraud. By staying vigilant and scrutinizing sellers, we can better protect ourselves from falling prey to these schemes.