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The worldwide pandemic fueled a surge in online shopping across the world, as the year 2022 is expected to be the first trillion-dollar year for online sales. The surge first hit back in 2020 when online consumer spending hit a record $813 billion, which was a 42% increase from only a year earlier, 2019.

Before the pandemic, online shopping was just another way to shop. If you hadn't found what you were looking for in a physical store, online shopping would have been your last resource. Now, we have become used to buying groceries, home improvement products, and sporting goods, which have become especially popular, with a single click. So no wonder the e-shopping world has turned its other side on us and we also face many more shopping fails than ever before.

So today, we wrapped up some of the funniest, weirdest and most frustrating examples of what happens when online shopping goes awry, and presents us with a good old “expectation” vs “reality” experience. Let us know if you have also been betrayed by an item you bought online in the comments! More cruel online shopping fails can be found in our previous posts here, here, here and here.

#1

This Is How Amazon Delivered My Body Wash. I Wonder What Are They Expect Me To Do

This Is How Amazon Delivered My Body Wash. I Wonder What Are They Expect Me To Do

ydw1988913 Report

With more and more people switching to online shopping, there’s still not enough talk about the dangers lurking behind it. Turns out, online shopping is a perfect place for scams, whether it’s browsing unsafe e-commerce sites, shopping on lookalike pages, or unknowingly disclosing your bank details. So today, Bored Panda spoke with a cybersecurity expert at NordVPN, Daniel Markuson.

“Criminals usually find their victims through online pop-ups, banners, or emails. They rely on advertising engines like Facebook and Google to push their banners on users. Although these companies have strong safeguards in place, some banners still slip in,” he explained.

#2

I Keep Trying To Order Zatarain's Cajun Injector Creole Butter, But I Keep Getting Soaps

I Keep Trying To Order Zatarain's Cajun Injector Creole Butter, But I Keep Getting Soaps

enderr920 Report

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Jillio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The guy who got your cajun butter instead of this body wash also posted. Lol

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#3

We Ordered Toothbrushes On Ebay From China But Received Eye Masks Instead. I’m Not Mad About This Error, And Will Use Them Wisely

We Ordered Toothbrushes On Ebay From China But Received Eye Masks Instead. I’m Not Mad About This Error, And Will Use Them Wisely

aloofwatermelon Report

“Alternatively, some scammers study their potential future victims and analyze their online behavior, which can be easily done if the victim is browsing the web unprotected,” Markuson added. That’s why it’s important to remember that secure websites have HTTPS in their address.

The cybersecurity expert listed six major scam scenarios you may encounter while online shopping. The first one is “your order has been canceled.” Markuson explained: “These scams can go as far as to say, ‘Sorry, we are out of stock, and your order has been canceled. To claim your refund, please click here.’ Once the victim clicks on the link, they are asked to enter the details of the credit card to which they want to receive the refund and end up with their bank account being wiped out.”

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#4

My Family Recently Moved To Florida So I Wanted To Protect Them From The Sun

My Family Recently Moved To Florida So I Wanted To Protect Them From The Sun

cosmicgirl03 Report

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ElenaK
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, to be fair, even the model is holding the hat to stay in place.

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#5

Sometimes You Don’t Expect A Lot From Aliexpress But Dammit

Sometimes You Don’t Expect A Lot From Aliexpress But Dammit

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#6

Thanks To This Woman’s Amazon Review I Promptly Removed This Dress From My Cart

Thanks To This Woman’s Amazon Review I Promptly Removed This Dress From My Cart

JivyNme Report

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Chris Lehr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look into my eyes, look into my eyes, don’t look around the eyes, your under…

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Another threat is lookalike pages. “Amazoŋ.com, eday.com, googIe.comv — most users do not spot the discrepancies in the address bar as long as the website design looks legitimate,” he warned and added that they process the payment for the items in their shopping cart and end up being robbed.

Renewing your membership for the purchases you’ve made is another common scam online buyers should be aware of. “Once you’ve finished with your purchases, scammers will send you an email claiming that your Amazon Prime subscription payment is due and the discount cannot be applied. So if you want your items to get delivered, you have to renew the subscription. Ultimately, the victim gets tricked into disclosing their bank details,” Markuson explained.

#8

My Son Turned 1 Yesterday. This Was The Topper To His Space Themed Cake. Left Is What We Ordered, Right Is What We Got

My Son Turned 1 Yesterday. This Was The Topper To His Space Themed Cake. Left Is What We Ordered, Right Is What We Got

Drewlyn Report

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Troux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's definitely Louie Anderson on the right. RIP, Louie.

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#9

For My Son’s 1st Birthday, I Give You The Cake We Ordered And The Cake We Got

For My Son’s 1st Birthday, I Give You The Cake We Ordered And The Cake We Got

jstehlick Report

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just pure lazy. Nearly anyone could have done this one right!

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If a website requires you to download an app, you are likely getting scammed. Imagine you're about to make an online purchase. “Suddenly you're informed that the only way you can grab this ‘exclusive deal’ is to purchase through the app. In reality, you're being directed to download a fraudulent app run by hackers that has been primed to steal your payment information. Interestingly, most of these fake apps also appear in legitimate app stores, according to research by RiskIQ.

Also, watch out if an e-commerce website claims that there’s a delivery issue with your purchase. “Scammers will send bulk emails to Amazon users that claim to be from UPS, FedEx, or Amazon itself. They might read something like this: ‘We're sorry, but your package couldn't be shipped. Please click here to re-arrange delivery or update your method of payment.’” But as soon as you enter payment details, well, you can guess who'll be cashing in, Markuson warned.

#10

Op Ordered The Left Painting From An Instagram "Artist" Who Then Blocked Them After Delivery

Op Ordered The Left Painting From An Instagram "Artist" Who Then Blocked Them After Delivery

theco0lguy Report

#12

(Found) This Mask From Wish

(Found) This Mask From Wish

trickpixie Report

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Another common scam involves free gift cards, winning a loaded gift card from big retailers. The terms often require you to enter a grab bag or text a random code to 7792, for example. To a bargain shopper, it's too good to pass up. In reality, your details will be collected, your device could be infected with malware, and the scam could be sent to your entire address book.”

#13

I Paid $65 For A Cake That Wasn't Even Worth It

I Paid $65 For A Cake That Wasn't Even Worth It

I hate to even have to do this but I want to warn people.  
She refused to do anything about it. They don't even look close or anything.

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#14

So My Mom Ordered A Memorial Day Wreath For My Grandpa, Who Is A Vietnam Vet

So My Mom Ordered A Memorial Day Wreath For My Grandpa, Who Is A Vietnam Vet

Few_Plum_7505 Report

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Stephanie Parker
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's cute (edit. Me saying it's cute was no way intended to disrespect vets. As a British person I just saw the bottom image and thought it was a cute rubber ring and did not look closely at the object it's supposed to resemble)

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#15

My Friend Ordered This Rug Online. She Got This Instead, Whatever It Is

My Friend Ordered This Rug Online. She Got This Instead, Whatever It Is

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Aubrie Allen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People really need to check sizes, especially when ordering from sites like Wish.

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There are a few things everyone who’s shopping online should know before making a purchase. “An address of a safe website should start with “https://.” The letter S stands for “secure,” Markuson said. “Also, look for a padlock symbol in the address bar next to the website address. It means the connection is secure and no one can read or modify the data that travels between you and the website you’re visiting,” he added.

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#16

When You Order Your Halloween Costume From Wish. I Ordered Freddie. Think I Got His Cousin Eddie

When You Order Your Halloween Costume From Wish. I Ordered Freddie. Think I Got His Cousin Eddie

Mike Robinson Report

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karla Meixnerová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thik for Haloloween very suitable. It is scarier than original...

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Brian Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Froddy, Freddy's lesser known, slightly awkward, younger brother." Weapon of choice: A dull, chipped plastic knife.

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alicia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ed...ur skinz fallin' off ur bones (MIB reference lol)

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Joanne Hudson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well you can still use it. I doubt that's what you actually look like.

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Lindsey Judd-Bruder
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His "special" cousin Eddie. The one who goes into people's dreams to give them hugs and balloons and bunnies and kittens and puppies. He always has a smile on his face, and he makes everyone he meets, smile too. Special Eddie inspires people, when they see how he finds his own way around obstacles that would hold a typical person back. Sometimes it's kind of hard to understand him, when he talks. But once you get used to him, he'll make you laugh and laugh, with all his silly jokes. And that makes *him* laugh. Special Eddie loves everyone he meets. And everyone loves him, too. Because Special people are the best! 😊🤗 #AuntToASpecialAngel #LoveYouAlwaysLittleAlex #SpreadLove

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Printerman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, they are both horrific, though in very different ways.

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Steven Meyer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, don’t buy from wish. Stop buying Chinese! Support Americans and buy American!

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Lili Kruchio
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone would knock on my door at night with that mask on several times i would end up throwing bacon at this guy lol 😂 #BACON MAN!

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Sasha
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean thats obviously not a mask. Either a prosthesis, or even more likely straight up a model.

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Margot J. Piasecka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stop ordering at Wish, I’d rather say ☝️ as I have never heard of positive reviews 😇

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Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do people still order things on wish.com? Has anyone ever received what they ordered from Wish?

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Cat Crazy Lady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be happy if I didn't receive the original actually. With my trypophobia and what not it would give me some serious anxiety. (And no it doesn't have to always be holes)

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Buzz Anderson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been told by everyone i know NEVER USE WISH. All b******t

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Rachel Kail
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From $83 originally down to $19...? What a bunch of scammers

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Mrs S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks to these posts I will never, ever shop at wish.

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Lils_From_UK
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's 19 from 83. Let's think about this. But yh, not exactly twinning. 00

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RatherLoopy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Still horrifying, though. I'd have a heart attack and die on the spot if that guy stepped onto an elevator with me.

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Valley Girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should NOT be able to call this Freddy Krueger. This should be marketed as random evil burn victim mask.

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#17

Make Sure You Order From The Grown-Ups' Section

Make Sure You Order From The Grown-Ups' Section

Legal_Tea Report

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Lisa Pieters
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would someone buy tights thinking it's a shoe size? I don't know if it's different in other countries but we buy according to S,M,L,XL and so forth

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#18

Oh, The Joys Of Ordering Online

Oh, The Joys Of Ordering Online

Two different colors, two different sizes, and both are left shoes. Lovely!

Iwantsprinkles Report

The most common signs of an unsafe online shop or a website are the following: “The website has grammar mistakes; The design looks odd and the website structure is messy; The visuals are not high-quality; The deals are too good to be true; The website URL begins with HTTP, not HTTPS.”

The first thing you should do if you suspect you have just been scammed after paying money for an item on a scam website is to contact your bank, Markuson says. “If you made a payment with a debit or credit card, you may be able to ask your bank to help get your money back through what's called a chargeback. You can also try contacting the police if the amount of money you lost to a scam is significant,” he said.

#19

Ordered A Tool From Amazon. They Sent Me A Bag With Nothing In It. Wish I Could Make This Up

Ordered A Tool From Amazon. They Sent Me A Bag With Nothing In It. Wish I Could Make This Up

EcstaticBoysenberry Report

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#20

TIL To Check Gifts I Order Online Before Giving Them Away - I Ordered A Game Of Thrones Scarf

TIL To Check Gifts I Order Online Before Giving Them Away - I Ordered A Game Of Thrones Scarf

lotusdove Report

#21

My Sister Ordered A Face Mask From Amazon (Left) And The Photo On The Right Is What She Received

My Sister Ordered A Face Mask From Amazon (Left) And The Photo On The Right Is What She Received

Difficult-Tiger6517 Report

#22

What Was Ordered Versus What I Just Received In The Mail Today

What Was Ordered Versus What I Just Received In The Mail Today

SlimJohnson Report

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Ruby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The orginial dolls are made by Gakmancreatures, they make unique dolls/limited supply

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#23

So I Ordered Feminine Products Off Amazon And Received Inflatable Basketballs Instead

So I Ordered Feminine Products Off Amazon And Received Inflatable Basketballs Instead

Low_Tomatillo974 Report

#25

Ordered 100 "Empty" Nintendo DS Cases And Got 100 Copies Of Jonas

Ordered 100 "Empty" Nintendo DS Cases And Got 100 Copies Of Jonas

rjmitty1000 Report

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karla Meixnerová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, thorw away the CD with Jonas brothers (what else than this) and you have empty cases. Problem solved :)

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#26

So I Ordered Some Popcorn From Amazon. Always Check The Size First

So I Ordered Some Popcorn From Amazon. Always Check The Size First

Jakeyrogers Report

#27

I Ordered 3 Hard Drives From Amazon And They Sent Me 3 Cases Instead

I Ordered 3 Hard Drives From Amazon And They Sent Me 3 Cases Instead

LooksLikeFilm Report

#29

I Ordered 1 Lbs Of Green Beans Online And Got 1 Very Lonely Green Bean

I Ordered 1 Lbs Of Green Beans Online And Got 1 Very Lonely Green Bean

kcgtiguy Report

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#30

Amazon Sent Me 4 Copies Of The Aristocats. I Ordered 0

Amazon Sent Me 4 Copies Of The Aristocats. I Ordered 0

dmk510 Report

#31

My New Bath Mat Finally Arrived

My New Bath Mat Finally Arrived

para-riot Report

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The Penguin Bandit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Factory workers were taking full advantage to boost productivity numbers the day quality control called in sick

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#33

£76 Bouquet

£76 Bouquet

They said they had accidentally sent the "small" version of the bouquet (which doesn't exist on their website). They offered a re-delivery of the "correct large size" or q voucher for the cost plus £10 extra. I asked for a full refund. Why would I want the bigger version of a terrible bouquet and why would I trust them for future purchases. They didn't argue.

louloub1111 Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always check to see how many blooms are promised per bouquet. I've never had any website flower arrangement be as impressive as the photo.

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#34

Ordered A “Rose Apothecary” Sweater From Etsy For My Fiancé. This Came Instead. We’re Both Double Vaxxed And Healthcare Workers

Ordered A “Rose Apothecary” Sweater From Etsy For My Fiancé. This Came Instead. We’re Both Double Vaxxed And Healthcare Workers

fruitloopmafia91 Report

#35

Ordered A Pot/Pan Set Off Amazon After Recently Moving. Beware Super Low Prices On Kitchenware

Ordered A Pot/Pan Set Off Amazon After Recently Moving. Beware Super Low Prices On Kitchenware

barely_fits Report

#36

It’s -35 Today Here In Canada. I Needed Warm Winter Boots. What I Ordered vs. What I Got

It’s -35 Today Here In Canada. I Needed Warm Winter Boots. What I Ordered vs. What I Got

SweetTea9219 Report

#38

My Wife Just Got This Huge Banner For Work. Perfect

My Wife Just Got This Huge Banner For Work. Perfect

She’s ordered from the same place before and sent them the same file type as before.

heymanitsdan Report

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#40

Customer Bought Wheels And Tires Online, After Advising Multiple Times That The Tires Are Too Small For His SUV He Insisted For Us To Put Them On

Customer Bought Wheels And Tires Online, After Advising Multiple Times That The Tires Are Too Small For His SUV He Insisted For Us To Put Them On

TireSize: 225/45/17

EstrangedEncounters Report

#41

The Cat Tree My Mum Ordered vs. What She Received

The Cat Tree My Mum Ordered vs. What She Received

Sproose_Moose Report

#42

Two Baskets I Ordered From Amazon

Two Baskets I Ordered From Amazon

Cytopleb Report

#43

When You Order A Spooky Shark Costume Online

When You Order A Spooky Shark Costume Online

YaBoiJRan Report

#44

Was Super Excited For This Replica Glove (You Can Take It Out & Wear It). What I Got. Even In A Broken Frame

Was Super Excited For This Replica Glove (You Can Take It Out & Wear It). What I Got. Even In A Broken Frame

Largemarge81 Report

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Who Panda 420
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wondering what the price on a lot of these items were. In my experience if it sounds too good to be true it is.

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#46

My Buddy Ordered Some New Dice And Forgot To Check The Size

My Buddy Ordered Some New Dice And Forgot To Check The Size

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#48

The New Bathroom Rug I Ordered Online vs. The Actual Rug I Received In The Mail. I'd Say Something Is Wrong Here

The New Bathroom Rug I Ordered Online vs. The Actual Rug I Received In The Mail. I'd Say Something Is Wrong Here

xxxjasminebxxx Report

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Stephanie Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't trust these items that have the same item photoshopped in many different colour varieties

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#49

I Ordered Three Collars From An Online Seller For My Cat, But When The Package Finally Arrived It Contained Two Bottles Of Ivermectin

I Ordered Three Collars From An Online Seller For My Cat, But When The Package Finally Arrived It Contained Two Bottles Of Ivermectin

360inMotion Report

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#50

First Time I Ordered Shoes Online

First Time I Ordered Shoes Online

Maminyam Report

Note: this post originally had 168 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.