‘False Premiumization’ scams are rising. Here’s how to shop smart to avoid becoming a victim

DENVER — This holiday season, scammers — and some companies — are counting on shoppers looking for deals that are too good to be true.

But what’s now being called “false premiumization” and fake products are costing Coloradans big. Dozens of Coloradans have reported to the Better Business Bureau that they lost money to these scams.

Mary Hobratschk of Colorado Springs said she believed she found the perfect bargain on Facebook: A $240 cable‑knit cardigan marked down to $59 from a company she thought was based in New York.

"I knew from former experience that I should double-check," said Hobratschk, who did not trust an ad on Facebook. "So, I checked out this company's website and decided that they were legitimate and placed an order."

What arrived weeks later, she said, looked nothing li