Fake fitness equipment scams involve fraudsters selling low-quality, unsafe, or non-existent gym equipment. These scammers target people looking to set up home gyms or buy affordable workout gear, only to deliver cheap knockoffs or nothing at all.
How This Can Happen to Us
1. Fake Online Stores & Social Media Ads
◦ Scammers create professional-looking websites that mimic real fitness brands.
◦ They offer "limited-time discounts" to pressure buyers into quick purchases.
2. Poor-Quality Knockoffs
◦ The product looks real in pictures, but when it arrives, it’s made of cheap plastic, weak metals, or fake leather.
◦ Items like dumbbells, treadmills, and resistance bands break within days.
3. "Brand-Name" Fakes on Marketplaces
◦ Amazon, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace are filled with counterfeit fitness equipment.
◦ These products lack warranties, and sellers vanish after taking your money.
4. Delivery Scams
◦ After purchasing, buyers receive empty boxes, wrong items, or nothing at all.
◦ The seller refuses refunds and deletes their online presence.

Example of a Fake Fitness Equipment Scam
A woman in Florida ordered a discounted Peloton bike from an unknown website. She never received it, and the seller's contact details disappeared. She later found out the website was a fake clone of Peloton’s official store.

How to Stay Safe
• Buy from official brand websites like Nike, Adidas, or Peloton.
• Read customer reviews before purchasing from unknown sellers.
• Check refund policies – Scam sellers usually have no refund policy or unclear terms.
• Look for red flags – If a product is too cheap, it’s likely fake.
• Use secure payment methods – Avoid bank transfers or wire payments to unknown sellers.