Unfortunately, not all online stores are reputable. Over time, the UK wig market has become challenging for both legitimate wig websites and consumers, with fraudulent wig companies putting up their best fight to fool wig-wearers.
In this blog, we’ll discuss why it’s become trickier to identify scam wig companies online, how you can tell if a site is fraudulent, and some wig sites to avoid at all costs.
Why Has it Become Difficult to Identify Scam Wig Sites?
Similar prices: Many cheaper, poorer-quality wig companies have started to raise their prices to a point where they fall in the same price range as wig sellers like Simply Wigs. Ultimately, this price shift has created some confusion for customers, as suspiciously low price points used to be a key indicator of inferior products. Now, consumers can’t always judge the quality of a wig on its price alone. Furthermore, with prices being so similar, consumers often confuse higher-priced established wig companies for scammers.
Similar visuals: It has become harder to differentiate sites, especially as fraudulent ones have started mimicking the web design and images used on the best legitimate wig websites. Appearance has further blurred the lines between good and bad wig sites and increased consumers’ wariness to shop online.
What Do Scam Wig Companies Do?
Scam wig companies are deceitful groups or individuals who use the front of being a reputable wig company. Some of them look almost indistinguishable from legitimate companies.
They scam customers in a variety of ways:
Keep reading to the end to see a list of scam wig companies reported to us to make sure you don’t buy from a known fraud!
How to Tell Legit Wig Sites from the Fake
So, how do you know if you’re shopping online at a legitimate wig company?
The problem with fraudulent websites is that they can look so convincing when they pose as top-rated wig companies. However, there are tell-tale signs to look out for. These include:
The first thing you should do is search for the company’s name, with the word ‘reviews’ – for example, ‘ewigs reviews’. Some guidance to check that reviews are real includes:
– Don’t look at reviews on the website itself. If you have any doubts about a company, make sure you check the reviews on an independent site like REVIEWS.io and Trustpilot. The company can put anything they like on their own website! For example, Ewigs has over 4,000 reviews on their website and every single one is four or five stars, but if you look at review sites, the majority are only one or two stars.
– Pay attention to negative reviews. While most sites will have some negative reviews, seeing what people are complaining about can give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with. Look for trends among negative reviews – if lots of reviewers found they never received a product, or received a different product than they expected, it’s not an isolated incident.
– Pictures and videos. We love seeing our beautiful customers wearing their creations and we encourage people to take pictures in their wigs to send to us or attach to reviews. Scam companies aren’t usually likely to take the time to find homemade footage or pictures, and many scam sites use poorly rendered images (so they might be blurry or look stretched).
Can you find any contact information about the page? Often, scam wig companies will just have a contact form, and maybe a phone number or email address. Reputable wig sellers should have a full address available (which companies pretending to be based in the UK won’t have), and often, you’ll be able to contact them via social media as well.
A good rule of thumb when shopping online is ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ – if you’ve found a wig that retails at £200 being sold for £20, there’s likely there’s something else at play!
We’re not suggesting that you run every website through a grammar checker before you buy, but if the content on the site is stilted, unclear or poorly written, that should wave a red flag.
When you click on a new website, your browser will tell you if the site is secure or not with a little padlock symbol. If the site is not secure, you should avoid spending any money with the company, as your information will not be safe!
If you’re unsure if a company is legitimate, you can always check with Companies House. All limited companies in the UK must be registered with Companies House and it will provide you with the director’s name(s) and the company’s history. If they’re not registered, that means that they don’t have a physical shop or office in the UK.
If you have bought a wig and you are unsure about its quality, be aware of a chemical smell. This smell appears when the natural hair colour has been stripped out of the wig in order for it to be chemically dyed to a different range of colours. The stripping of the colour also strips away the hair quality, leaving you with a substandard wig.
Back in 2014, Emma appeared on Radio 4’s consumer affairs programme, You & Yours, to discuss the trend of disreputable wig companies trading online to UK customers. Listen as Emma shares a customer story and some caring and helpful advice, explaining how non-UK wig companies are cloning trustworthy wig websites and using .co.uk addresses to fool customers into thinking they are reliable websites.
Listen to the interview now » (STARTING POINT 26mins 32secs)
What to Look for in Reliable Wig Companies
So what are the green flags? What can you look for in a company that is worth your custom?
Scam Wig Companies to Avoid
IMPORTANT: These companies have been reported to us as being scams. Please let us know if you have encountered these companies or any others so we can continue supporting other wig-wearers.
Customers have pointed out these companies to be aware of:
- Ciciwigs.com
- Ewigs.co.uk
- Hairlinewigsuk.com
- Hawigs.ca
- Heywigs.com
- Kimwigs.co.uk
- Lightinthebox.com
- Lytinroopwigs.com
- Minewig.com
- Morojowig.com
- Rewigs.co.uk
- Shopwig.co.uk
- Topwigs.co.uk
- Urhair.co.uk
- Wigsbuy.com
- Wigsdo.com
- Wigsell.co.uk
- Wigshoponline.co.uk
- Wigshow.co.uk
You should also be cautious when buying from non-wig-specific marketplaces, like eBay, Shein or Temu – you might find some great deals, but just remember that you’ll get what you pay for! If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality wig, you’re not likely to find it on these sites.
Final Advice on Avoiding Scam Wig Companies
1. Check the URL
We have also been made aware that there are several companies using the Simply Wigs name in their advertising. Always make sure you’re shopping on our official site to avoid being caught out! Make sure the URL is correct before entering any information.
Check out the listings below; the first is from our official site, but the second is a different site using our name. We’ve highlighted the URLs in red so you know what to look for!
2. Do your research
When you’re browsing cheap ‘UK-based’ wig sites, be cautious and do your research before you buy any new products. Every week, we talk to heartbroken people who these companies have scammed, and we are angry and saddened that they are still allowed to trade.
3. Spread the word!
As many scam wig companies are not based in the UK, we are unable to prosecute them. However, if Trading Standards cannot protect people who may be shopping at a very vulnerable time in their lives, then it’s time we spread the word ourselves!
We ask that you please repost this through your own social channels. Together, we can get the word out that we will not be duped by these dishonourable companies anymore.
Our team knows that buying a wig can be an emotional and highly personal process. The UK has many highly-rated, quality, legitimate wig companies that will endeavour to make the process as easy and painless as possible.
When it comes down to it, if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of a company, you’ll be safer not spending your money with them. If you have any questions about this topic, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. The Simply Wigs team are always here to help.
Who are the well known companies?. I’m here trying to find out which are the reputable and which aren’t so any suggestions welcomed. Tia xx
Don’t ever order from rodewigs it’s a scam.. I been trying to contact them by email and no response…Luckily I only spent $35.00….Complete scam BEWARE!!!!!
Luna Wigs and Wigsby
This company I ordered from keep changing their name but I keep seeing this email address. Wig is horrible nothing like advertisement. [email protected]
If you see this email attached don’t order
Oh my God, I just ordered two expensive wigs. What can I do now?
Same here received wig from Miya Wigs some 2 months after ordering and it is simply nothing like the wig I ordered. Much shorter and looks disgusting. No response to emails sent so far. I will have to sacrifice the 64 dollars they charged me and l3arn from the experience and CHECK the company out before placing an order! Really disapointed and feel like an idiot for falling for it :((
Hi Julia
Interesting to read this blog.
Are their sites that you do recommend?
Thanks
Why not simply buy from a well known UK based company. I just do not understand why you would take such a gamble with your cash?
Nearly all the scams are based in China which always baffles me as many of the name brand wigs are made there.
And yep! Right at the start of my hair journey I did almost lose a substantial sum but lesson learnt and never repeated.
Thank you Evelyn . I did use paypal. I am waiting for a reply. I hope I get my money back.
If you paid through PayPal, call them to file a complaint. I did and all of my money was returned, including the international mailing fee.
Hi
Keep at them if you’re from UK there address is in Middlesex I only yesterday sent them another email I want a full refund other wise urhairwigs will be further investigated in Middlesex, don’t offer me a lot less than I paid for wig or returning your wig to China your company is in Middlesex& return address is not China,,
Hope this helps who reads this it’s like Chinese whispers with urhairwigs
Yes. We we need to get rid of Lily from REWigs. She is a thief and she is stealing everyone’s money and advertising on the google website. why to google or ebay have them on their websites?
Please aid RE Wigs to your list, I ordered a wig which looked very nice in the picture. I waited two months no contact. I emailed them and they sent me a wig which looked nothing like the one I order. Different style, texture and colour. I emailed them and now they have my money and won’t let me send the wig back or a refund. They won’t speak to me or return my money and they are advertising on google still. When you put in ‘wigs’ they are the first company to come up.
I too was scammed by Miya wigs. Ordered short blonde wig – received long black one. Offered refund of 10% and told me to keep wig because it was too expensive to mail back.
Lesson learned – the hard way.
I too was scammed by Miya wigs. Ordered short blonde wig – received long black one. Offered refund of $6 and told me to keep wig because it was too expensive to mail back. I told them that was unacceptable. They then offered me $10. I told them I expected a full refund and I would be glad to mail this so called wig back to them. No comment. I’m sure had I accepted their offer, the check would never have arrived anyway. Lesson learned – the hard way.
I wish I had found this post sooner. I purchased 2 wigs from them and they look nothing like the picture. Now I can’t get a hold of anyone for a complaint or a refund.
Keep at them there offering me £25.00 said I agreed to that price told them check your emails again it’s a full refund I did say otherwise I’ll take legal proceedings against company were your based in UK I’ve left address on site jabber fraud wigs , there address in UK as the return address was on wig parcel I received,as many have said they don’t even have an address, to complain to, hope it helps thanks for reading
I purchased some wigs from a company called Joywig it turns out to be a fake company and a great loss! Especially since I ordered the wigs while battling cancer!
I have also just received a wig from URHAIR and it’s nothing like the picture. I emailed to ask about sending it back and getting a refund but they told me that the wig would look nice on me, it wouldn’t affect its usage and please to try it again!! It was then I googled if this company was a scam. I have sent several emails now and they are not even answering. Absolute scam and rip off.
Urhairwigs
Yes know the feeling urhairwigs is just as bad don’t give you what you paid for ,or nothing like the picture they advertise, the say take it to a hairdresser we worked hard on this wig ,I replied so did I to buy it ,I’ve sent them photos of the wig it’s not fit to wear only if you want to make some laugh , they offer you £5.00 compensation and a asked you to buy from them again, they don’t want to be giving you a full refund ,I’m still in debate with them, thanks for reading
very good point, I wonder the same thing also on ebay the chinese companys will have hundreds and hundreds of negative reviews and I noticed the positive reviews are the same words repeated over and over on the same date!!!
makes you wonder about ebay and paypal.
Scam. Don’t buy. I ordered a lace-front short curly wig. I received a long black straight wig that looked like it came from a costume shop. And it wasn’t even lace front. The package came from Chino, CA. I was even charged an international fee on my credit card. To return it, I found out the scammers want you to return It to China w/tracking for $223.00. They got me twisted. I’m still working with PayPal because the company only wants to refund me only 10%.. I think I have to take the loss of $35.99. Check reviews before buying any wig, which I learned after the fact.
this company is the biggest RIPOFF. They intentionally ship the wrong item then want to charge an additional 20 dollars to return the item. WARNING DON’T ORDER FROM LUNA WIGS
Thank you. I was just looking at their wigs. So glad i came across ur post.
Add WIGSBUY to that list !!
Can’t understand why pay pal and ebay keep having to repay you when they must know by now that all these Chinese supposedly companies are scammers why do they let them keep advertising and consequently knowing what they are. I just wonder if pay pal gets their money back from them!!!
Luna wigs needs to be listed
A complete rip-off
The wig was no where like the picture
Color was one ugly grey color no curls no style took longer than they said it would
Emails didn’t work
The shipping said California but to return its China
Not worth my $25 but what do u expected for that price
I bought a wig from boldack 2 months ago they sent me a fake tracking number and won’t respond to any of my messages
I bought one from evereal wig, it took a month and 2 weeks to get and it was not what I ordered.
I agree with Melita. Ordered 2 pieces from sheswigs.co.uk a month ago, wrote to them twice asking for the status of my order-nothing despite stating on their website that there is no need to send them another email as they reply within 12 hours which is a lie.
Finally asked for the refund and have been ignored. Avoid them as they are fraudsters!
Do NOT BUY FROM EVEREAL WIGS! RIPOFF. What they ship is NOT what is pictured and they do NOT refund your money. RIPOFF. Horrible quality and HORRIBLE customer service
Has anyone brought from goodeal hair before?? I cant find any reviews on there company and wanna no before i buy…i brought from boldack and i havnt go my hair yet its been 3 week and i cant seem to get in touch with them.
Stay clear of Emma Wigs which changed names to Miya Wigs. Complete scam too. Wig ordered and received is hideous and not the product in picture. Scam scam scam…offered 10% refund and then stopped comminucations. Beware! Buy your wig at a reputable wig store that you can physically see and touch.
You can add fusedrealm.com to this list of BUYER BEWARE! Wig is absolutely NOTHING like as advertised! I paid extra for the density as well as extra for rush shipping. They claim it is a lace front with baby hairs for a more realistic look, and that is is human hair! Lies!! I would compare its quality to that of a Walmart Halloween wig (if that). They claim they are based in the UK ?? but the item is shipped from China ??. They are Scammers!!
Ewigs.co.uk. A very convincing website. Luckily I didn’t buy anything and only because I kept thinking “if it’s too good to be true!”. Human hair wigs, lace front, monofilamant part from as little as £118, when all I’d seen up until then were human hair wigs from £500.
I did look to see where they were based and I couldn’t find out and there was no telephone number so I couldn’t speak to anyone for advice.
What really struck me was the photos of celebrities with £100 wigs? and then I came across a photo of Belle Madame Gina SF. This is a wig I like and is a synthetic wig of about £195, they had it advertised as a remy human hair wig at £185 and that’s when I really thought something here doesn’t add up. I then searched around for reviews and came across this page.
I very nearly bought a human hair wig from them just to try it out and to see how I liked it, I am so glad I kept thinking “if it’s too good to be true”.
Being conned is easily done, I was nearly conned, just remember quality human hair wigs dont come that cheap.
Ordered from EveReal, no product, bogus DHL tracking number! No response via social media, email came back undeliverable.
I recently purchased a wig from Re;wig. Don’t make the same miatake. When you order it is stated that they will message you a approximate delivery date. Well, guess what…..nothing, so after waiting for 3 days I sent email. No reply,2nd attempt..nothing. After 3rd attempt, I contacted pay pal. To make a long story short I started proceedings to get my money back. I did receive my wig,but it is hideous. The color is awful and I don’t see how it can possibly be the wig I ordered and it doesn’t fit right either. I immediately contacted paypal and got the refund process started. After thinking it over I will not pay the postage to return to China. Chances are it will be too expensive to return and I had ordered some other things to care for wig that I need. I figure that if I send back, more money invested and chances are good that I may not get refund. There is no way in hell that they will have product AND my money. So I will take this wig and have it trimmed and I will wear it at home. I’m new to wigs and am finding out that wearing wigs can be rather costly (especially with these crooks selling wigs. So, Ladies, check these companies out before you buy. The world is full of shysters waiting to take advantage of others. I love my first wig and it is wonderful to know that no one is staring at my scalp shining through sparse hair. We have to stat somewhere to drive these lowlifes out of business. So keep fighting and find yourself a beautiful wig and feel beautiful again. Jane
So True I just got scammed by them. I have a complaint in with Pay pal against them.
Thankfully, my experience ended well. Paypal decided in my favour, but asked me to return the wigs. Each one cost £10 to return, but if you photograph the parcel, the label and receipts, paypal will refund the postage! Consequently, got all my money back including 2 lots of postage. These fraudsters still need stopping though.
Wife ordered from Lily Rewigs is this same company no address no phone number no way to reply other than e mail?
I just ordered 4 wigs and I am sitting here reading these reviews… Did I just get !!scammed.. How didn’t I see this!! These reviews are terrifying!! They are sending wigs that aren’t lace or human this is so wrong… how can they be stopped?? I will write another review on this once I receive the product they send… Did anybody get a full refund on their purchase and if so how?? Or did I just loose over a $100…. And I didn’t use PayPal.. Smh?????????? The website is Boldack.com
Do NOT. Buy from BOLDACK.COM they send you complete trash nothing like they describe it to be I paid for fast shipping and it took over 3 weeks to arrive I’m going to contact my card company asap they are scammers
RomichicWigs are terrible. The quaility is F+, its nothing like the. wigs they show. They take people’s money. I looked up the owner and is in Linkin social media like the company is legit. I would like the wig, I order or my money back. Thanks.
Omg I have ordered a wig from this company shewigs grrrr which cost £153 I will now let PayPal know reg my payment
Lily’s wigs in Instagram and Facebook purchase through places like eBay and China and take money from you with leaving awful quality wig
Don’t buy from urwig.co.uk
Please don’t buy from Romchic wig.com they are FRAUDULENT. They took my money and DIDN’T send me the product ordered. I wish I could have posted everything here.
Add Evereal Wigs to this be list Please!!!!
Evereal wigs. Paid, NEVER received the product. Stole my money and didn’t send merchandise.
Hi
Please add addwigs.co.uk as one of the fraudelent companies from China selling fake wigs .I bought
Kinky Straight Full Lace Wig Natural Color Lace Wigs For Black Women
and caused me a severe skin reaction . The smell of the wig is really bad and does not go away despite washing it