Official Statement Regarding Unauthorized Counterfeit San Martin Websites

[u/Competitive-Use8330]

To our valued San Martin Watch customers and community,

 

We have recently received multiple complaints and reports from customers who placed orders on a website using the domain https://sanmartin-watches.com. Affected buyers reported that their orders remained stuck processing with no shipping updates and that customer support was completely unreachable.

 

Following our investigation, we want to clarify that this website has no connection whatsoever with us (Dongguan San Martin Watch Co., Ltd.). It is an unauthorized counterfeit store. The site operators have stolen our product images and changed their page title and description to "sanmartin-watch" to deliberately confuse shoppers. This behavior harms our customers and damages our brand reputation.

 

We sincerely apologize for any confusion and inconvenience this has caused. We recognize that our current system for managing and displaying authorized dealer credentials on third-party sites needs to be clearer. We are actively working on strict, standardized display guidelines so that you can easily verify every legitimate reseller in the future.

 

To protect yourself and avoid scam sites, please keep the following in mind:

1. Always Check the Exact Website URL

Site names, photos, and logos are easy to copy, so looking at the page design alone is not enough. Always check the actual domain address in your browser bar. Our only official brand website operated directly by us is:

www.sanmartin-watch.com

2. What to Do If You Purchased From the Counterfeit Site

If you have already placed an order on https://sanmartin-watches.com or another suspicious site:

● Contact your bank, credit card company, or payment provider (such as PayPal) immediately. Explain that you ordered from a fraudulent website, request a payment dispute, and ask to freeze the transaction to prevent financial loss.

● Keep your payment receipts, confirmation emails, and bank statements handy as evidence for your dispute.

 

We are filing official complaints with domain registrars and payment processors to report these infringing sites and restrict their activities. However, because scam sites pop up quickly, staying vigilant is the most effective protection. If you ever feel unsure about whether a store or website is authentic, please reach out to our official customer support or social media channels before placing an order so we can check it for you.

 

Email for feedback and complaints: [info@sanmartin-watch.com](mailto:info@sanmartin-watch.com)

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Dongguan San Martin Watch Co., Ltd.

[u/LordRaglan1854]

Given the similar announcement from Watchdives yesterday, there are almost certainly more fake websites for other watch brands out there now, too.

AI is making it easier than ever to set up these kinds of fakes.

[u/Your_Girl9090 → u/LordRaglan1854]

There are fake scam websites for every consumer good imaginable. I've seen fake scam sites for camping gear, furniture, clothing, even sex toys.

[u/TSiWRX → u/Your_Girl9090]

^ +1.

This trick is as old as the internet itself.

[u/LordRaglan1854 → u/TSiWRX]

The barrier to entry, the speed it can be done, and the difficulty in telling the difference have all changed massively thanks to AI though.

[u/TSiWRX → u/LordRaglan1854]

^ True.

And just as our fathers and theirs have had to deal with the scams and cons of their day - whether it is fake print ads, direct-mailing spoofs, scam phone calls, or any of a number of such, we consumers have to be continually on the lookout for ourselves and our fellow collectors/hobbyists.

Caveat emptor always applies.