7 Warning Signs of Smart Home Security System Scams on Wayfair

Fake Warehouse Clearance Ad: Be skeptical of unbelievable deals on 'clearance' smart home security systems. Scammers often create fake ads to lure you into purchasing non-existent or substandard products. Always verify the seller's legitimacy and product authenticity.

Third-Party 'Open Box' Bait: While 'open box' items can offer savings, be cautious of third-party sellers using them as bait. They might misrepresent the condition or claim an item is 'open box' when it's actually used or defective. Wayfair's policy generally states 'open box' items are final sale and not returnable, making this a risky area for scams if not handled directly by Wayfair.

Missing Hardware Ransom: A scammer might deliberately withhold essential hardware components (like mounting brackets, cables, or sensors) and then demand an additional payment to send them to you. Ensure all listed components are included before finalizing any purchase, especially from third-party sellers.

Stolen Designer Product Photos: Be wary if product images appear to be high-quality, professional shots that don't quite match the description or seem too good to be true. Scammers often use stolen images of premium products to advertise lower-quality or entirely different items.

Address Change Redirection: Scammers might intercept your delivery by contacting the shipping carrier to reroute the package to a different address. Always track your order diligently and be suspicious of any unsolicited contact from shipping companies asking to change delivery details.

Fake Delivery Insurance: Some scams involve offering 'fake delivery insurance' for an additional fee. This is a ploy to extract more money from you, as legitimate shipping costs usually include some level of insurance or Wayfair's own protection.

Professional Assembly Phish: Scammers may pose as professional assemblers, requesting remote access to your devices or personal information under the guise of setting up your smart home security system. For smart home devices, be cautious of unsolicited offers for remote setup assistance.