Guide to Verifying a Legitimate Fursuit Seller

At the end of 2023, several customers reported being scammed by a fursuit seller. In this article, we share our experiences and knowledge about fursuit scams, including examples we have encountered ourselves.

Quick Tools to Verify a Seller:

1. Start a Conversation and Ask Questions

   • Specific Questions: Engage the seller by asking detailed questions about their fursuits. Scammers usually struggle to provide specific answers regarding materials, production processes, and customization options.
   • Chat Support: Utilize chat options if available. For instance, we offer chat support on every page of our website for real-time assistance.

2. Make a Phone Call

   • Direct Communication: Call the seller to discuss your needs and ask additional questions. Speaking directly can provide assurance and clarity. We are available for calls from 7 am to 10 pm CET (Central European Time).

More Detailed Verification:

Types of Fraud Known to Us (from Customer Stories):

• Money is taken for a premade fursuit, but the product is not delivered.
• A premade fursuit is provided, but the quality does not match the picture (or a different product is provided, such as fursuit paws instead of a fursuit head).
• A down payment for a commission is taken, and the maker disappears (an average fursuit industry practice involves a 30% non-refundable commission).

6 Additional Tips:

1. Examine Product Pictures in Detail

   • Consistency in Style and Craftsmanship: Do the designs have the same style and level of craftsmanship? Or do they appear as if they were taken from different sources?

2. Evaluate Price-Quality Match

   • Correspondence to Price: Does the quality of the product in the pictures match the price, or do the prices seem too low? Enlarge the pictures to closely inspect details like the nose, eyes, and paw pads.

3. Compare Product Pictures and Descriptions

   • Accuracy of Description: Does the product in the pictures match the product description? Or is the description missing, too short, or oversimplified?

4. Assess the Content of Seller Reviews

   • In-Depth Reviews: Search for reviews on the seller's website, independent websites, forums, or social media groups related to fursuit communities. Read the content of reviews, not just the total number of reviews or stars. Look for reviews with both text and pictures. Are the reviewed products the same as the sold products?

5. Evaluate Seller's Social Media

   • Activity Timeline: Check when the last post was made and when the first post was made. Consistent activity over a long period is a good sign.

6. Payment Methods

   • Secure Payments: Exercise caution with sellers who ask for payment via methods that lack buyer protection. Legitimate sellers typically accept secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.

Conclusion: By following these steps, you can better evaluate the legitimacy of a fursuit seller and make an informed decision. 

SOME EXAMPLES

 Some of our products are “sold” at Ali Express. No difference in picture, description at Ali Express description is missing. Price difference - 3 times.  

Wolf fursuit (left) is the most popular fursuit picture ever! Prices on Amazon and Ali Express range from $316 to $399. For comparison, a similar quality fursuit from a legitimate  studio would typically cost between $4500 and $6000. One of the sellers at Ali Express shows final product in more detailed product descripton, which is sort of honest approach (if you read with enough attention). 

Here is the same wolf full suit at Amazon.com - it does not show real product you will get. Listing has 3 reviews, one says – “love the paws”. Most probably paws were initially sold and after that listing picture and price were changed.