Despite Good Samaritan Efforts, Whiskey Scams Are Still Rampant On Social Media – Here’s How to Avoid Falling Prey

Whiskey scams

As long as there is a market for high-priced whiskey, scammers will continue to find ways to exploit it. There are even social media accounts dedicated to exposing these scam sites. But don’t worry – there are tried and true ways to be able to tell when the whiskey is the real deal or fake.

Social Media

A major red flag to look out for are people selling whiskey on social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. If you’re still unsure, look at the comment section; is it restricted or removed altogether? It’s best to move along.

Another rule of thumb is to never make a purchase over private messaging. If you’re in a group on Facebook, for example, all of the dealings should go on in the main page thread. This is so you have witnesses able to back you up over the deal goes sideways. Unfortunately, this will mean the competition will be stiff for the bottle you want.

Rushing or Bullying

If you find yourself unable to resist inquiring about a bottle, and there is any rushing or pressure from the seller, it’s a good idea to cut your losses. If a seller truly has the desirable whiskey they say they have, there is no need to pressure the buyer into purchasing. Let’s face it, an authentic bottle of Blanton’s sells itself.

Sales or Bulk Deals

Any specials or deals that are being offered are a sure-fire way to know that it’s a scam. A quick Google search will be able to tell you how much a bottle is worth, and it’s important to use that as a guide for how much you can expect to spend on a specific bottle.

A scam account selling three bottles of Blanton’s for $270. With Blanton’s retailing for over $100 per bottle and selling for far more than that from resellers, this deal would be way too good to be true.

If You Have Any Doubt, There’s No Doubt What You Need to Do

If the individual you are talking to makes you question whether or not they are the real deal, they probably aren’t. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the bottle and where it came from. If the seller begins to get hostile or frustrated, you know it’s time to end the conversation.

In the meantime, remember to always do your research before buying any expensive liquor online, and when it comes to buying expensive whiskey online, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Here at Whiskey Raiders, we do more than write about current events in whiskey. We are the only media property reviewing whiskeys and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the whiskey world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of whiskey in your morning email, sign up for our Daily Dram Gram!

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About The Daily Pour

Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.

Madison Kopta is a former editor at Whiskey Raiders. As a Northern California native and mom of four, Madison spends much of her time enjoying the great outdoors with her family.