The Mashbir Warns of Fake Kenneth Cole Website Scamming Consumers

The Israeli department store chain, The Mashbir, has issued a warning about a fraudulent website impersonating the official Kenneth Cole online store. The fake site, located at https://kennethcoleonline.shop/, uses the brand's name and identifying elements to deceive consumers into making purchases or divulging personal and credit card information. The Mashbir, which is the official importer of Kenneth Cole in Israel, stated that the fraudulent site is not affiliated with the brand or the department store chain.

Several red flags indicate the site's deceptive nature. The URL includes 'shop,' a common characteristic of fake websites. The site also features fabricated customer reviews about purchasing, shipping, and the brand itself, which is unusual for fashion e-commerce platforms. Additionally, prices are listed in US dollars, text sometimes overlaps the brand name, and the website is reportedly riddled with technical errors. The Mashbir urges the public not to make purchases or enter any personal or payment details on the fake site.

This scam follows a pattern of similar fraudulent websites targeting well-known brands like Castro, Adidas, and Delta. The Mashbir has stated it is working with relevant authorities to have the fake website removed. Galit Peleg, Deputy CEO of Kenneth Cole Israel, emphasized the importance of protecting customers and ensuring secure purchasing. She confirmed efforts are underway to shut down the imposter site and advised consumers to exercise caution and only buy through the brand's official channels.