Are you looking to purchase a Schwalbe tire or tube online? The company suggests being careful where you buy its tires. And it is taking measures to curb the con.
According to a news release, several online stores have been defrauding customers by illegally using the Schwalbe brand name and logo without actually selling the company’s products. The sites may showcase product photos or even the entire item descriptions. And many of these fraudulent e-commerce sites charge customers but never ship the goods, Schwalbe said.
“These deceptively genuine-looking fake-shops are used to defraud buyers,” the company said in the news release. “To protect its clientele from fraud, Schwalbe has taken various measures.”
The company created a permanent domain monitoring program. This measure searches the Internet for sites referencing Schwalbe and creating a false impression of a business relationship with the brand. Schwalbe is also pursuing legal action against these “fake shops.” It has already shut down several of them through successful lawsuits.
Are you suspicious of an online store exhibiting Schwalbe products? The company suggests the following:
• Check the payment methods, and be careful if prepayment is the only option.
• Call the company’s phone number, as many fake shop numbers don’t work.
• Reference the commercial register numbers.
Schwalbe‘s official website can be found here. In Europe, Schwalbe cyclists can purchase only through wholesalers and retailers. And riders in North America can purchase directly from the company.
