Anime fans beware: Social media’s newest retail scam targets bargain hunters with too-good-to-be-true anime merchandise deals
In recent months, a wave of complaints has surfaced online about a suspicious online retailer called Converrion.com. This website has been aggressively advertising anime and manga-themed merchandise at extraordinarily low prices through TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
As consumers increasingly shop online, the rise of fraudulent e-commerce sites poses a growing threat to unwary shoppers. Our investigation reveals concerning patterns that online shoppers should be aware of before entering their credit card information.
The Alluring Facade of Converrion.com
At first glance, Converrion.com presents itself as a legitimate online retailer specializing in anime and manga merchandise. The website features an extensive catalog of products including hoodies, t-shirts, jackets, and accessories from popular series like Tokyo Ghoul, Berserk, Solo Leveling, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
The site employs professional-looking templates common to e-commerce platforms, complete with product categories, a search function, and standard pages like “About Us,” “Contact Us,” and shipping information. Most notably, Converrion.com advertises dramatic discounts that catch the eye of budget-conscious shoppers:
- Sherpa jackets priced at just $6.99 (normally $50+)
- Anime-themed hoodies discounted from $75.00 to $5.20
- “Up to 75% off storewide” promotions
- Free shipping on orders over $29
These extreme markdowns are prominently displayed alongside claims of “hassle-free returns” and “safe payment” options, creating an illusion of legitimacy that has successfully lured many unsuspecting customers.
How the Converrion.com Scam Operates
The operation of Converrion.com follows a well-established pattern seen in countless e-commerce scams:
1. Social Media Bait
The scam begins with targeted advertisements on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These ads showcase appealing products at unbelievable prices, often using high-quality images stolen from legitimate retailers. The ads typically create urgency with limited-time offers and flash sales.
2. The Purchase Trap
Once potential victims click through to the website, they’re greeted with a professional-looking storefront offering seemingly incredible deals. The checkout process collects not only payment information but also valuable personal data including full names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
3. The Stalling Tactics
After purchase, customers typically receive an order confirmation email. When products fail to arrive, customer service employs delay tactics through generic, poorly-translated responses. A common reply to inquiries contains Chinese characters and vague promises about shipping timeframes:
回复：（无主题） Dear customer, Please don't worry. We are sorry for the long-time waiting and we quite understand that waiting is always something hard to endure. We also really value your business, we have confirmed your order ID info in our order system. Our warehouse usually takes 5-7 business days to process the order and takes 10 to 20 business days to arrive destination after shipment. Please wait patiently for your package.
4. The Empty Delivery
The final outcome typically falls into one of four categories:
- No delivery at all (most common)
- Delivery of counterfeit or inferior products
- Delivery of completely wrong items
- Delivery of used or damaged goods
By the time customers realize they’ve been scammed, the website operators have already collected weeks or months of payments and personal data.
User Complaints and Reviews: A Pattern of Deception
Reddit and other consumer protection forums are filled with complaints from disappointed Converrion.com customers. One Reddit user shared their experience after ordering a hoodie advertised on TikTok:
I bought a hoodie online because I saw it in a tiktok ad. On the website, it said it would arrive today. When it didn’t, I emailed customer service… It took me a few days to scrape together enough cash to buy this.
In follow-up comments spanning several months, the user confirmed they never received their order. Multiple other users in the same thread reported identical experiences:
I ordered from them too almost a month ago and have not received anything. I got a confirmation email but there was no tracking. I tried to contact them and they haven’t replied. I fear we’ve been scammed.
Perhaps most telling is the fact that new victims continue to report falling for the scam months after the initial complaints surfaced, indicating the operation is ongoing.
Red Flags: How to Identify Converrion.com as a Scam
Our investigation uncovered numerous warning signs that clearly identify Converrion.com as a fraudulent operation:
1. Domain Registration Information
- The domain was only registered on April 10, 2024
- The registration uses privacy protection to hide the owner’s identity
- The domain is only registered for one year, suggesting a short-term operation
2. Pricing Inconsistencies
- Discounts of up to 93% off (from $75 to $5.20) are economically impossible for legitimate businesses
- Base prices are inconsistent with industry standards
- Multiple “Black Friday” promotions running year-round
3. Website Structure and Content Issues
- Generic, vague “About Us” information lacking specific company details
- Repetitive navigation elements (multiple “Shop All” links)
- No verifiable business address or phone number
- Contact limited to a single email address: [email protected]
- Poor translation and Chinese characters in customer service emails
4. No Legitimate Online Presence
- No authentic customer reviews on independent platforms
- No verifiable social media accounts
- No business registration information
- No history of legitimate business operations
5. Payment and Shipping Red Flags
- Unrealistic shipping timeframes
- Lack of tracking information
- Generic excuses for delays
- Unresponsive customer service
Final Verdict: Is Converrion.com Legit Shopping Website or a Scam?
Based on comprehensive analysis of domain information, website content, user reports, and business practices, Converrion.com is unquestionably a fraudulent operation designed to deceive consumers. The site exhibits all hallmarks of a typical e-commerce scam:
- It advertises impossibly low prices to attract victims
- It collects payments and personal information
- It fails to deliver products as advertised
- It employs delay tactics to prevent timely chargebacks
- It operates with a short-term timeframe before shutting down and reopening under a new name
Evidence suggests Converrion.com is likely part of a larger network of scam websites based in China that target anime and manga fans with too-good-to-be-true offers on merchandise. The operation’s sophistication and ongoing nature indicate an organized effort rather than an isolated scam.
How to Protect Yourself from E-commerce Scams
As online shopping scams grow increasingly sophisticated, consumers should take proactive steps to protect themselves:
Verify Website Legitimacy Before Purchasing
- Check domain age using WHOIS tools (legitimate e-commerce sites rarely appear overnight)
- Look for proper business registration information
- Search for independent reviews on trusted platforms
- Verify the existence of authentic social media presence
- Be skeptical of sites with no physical address or phone number
Be Wary of Price Red Flags
- Remember that extreme discounts (over 70-80%) are usually too good to be true
- Compare prices with established retailers
- Question why a business would sell products at a massive loss
Use Secure Payment Methods
- Pay with credit cards that offer fraud protection
- Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments
- Consider using PayPal or other services with buyer protection
- Never save payment information on suspicious websites
Research Before Clicking Ads
- Be especially cautious of social media advertisements
- Search for “[website name] + scam” before purchasing
- Check for customer complaints and reviews
- Verify the legitimacy of deals through multiple sources
Report Suspicious Activities
- Report scam websites to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File complaints with your payment provider immediately
- Share your experience on forums to warn others
- Report deceptive ads to the social media platforms hosting them
If You’ve Already Fallen Victim
If you’ve already made a purchase from Converrion.com or similar scam sites:
- Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to dispute the charge
- Document all communications and order information
- File a complaint with the FTC
- Monitor your accounts for additional unauthorized charges
- Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports
- Change passwords for any accounts using the same credentials
The proliferation of scam websites like Converrion.com underscores the importance of vigilance when shopping online. By recognizing the warning signs and taking preventative measures, consumers can better protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated schemes.
