Renaissance Toronto And Other Such Scams

I've noticed this scam, primarily on Facebook and Instagram, where a sponsored post is a letter from a storeowner announcing they're closing their doors, but having a final sale. These places present themselves as an actual bricks and mortar Toronto institution and is written in a manner that it's assumed we'd know it. Of course, these places don't actually exist and everything is a lie.

Let's take this Renaissance Toronto example I saw on Instagram this morning. Sadly, Marc and Sofia must close their doors, but on their way out they're having one last big sale to say thank you to the city and their patrons over the years. Renaissance Toronto does not exist. Google Maps will tell you that.

The only search hit you'll get is their Instagram page which shows a fake couple in front of a fake store.

And get this... on their website, they show a different fake couple!

Their website, which conveniently does not include an actual physical address for Renaissance Toronto, has this in the "About Us" section.

Renaissance started as our small Toronto boutique a project my wife Sofia and I poured our hearts into. We weren’t trying to follow trends. We simply wanted to offer clothing that felt right: well-made, timeless, and quietly confident pieces you’d actually wear, year after year.

Over time, Renaissance became more than a store to us. It became a way to connect with people who value quality, simplicity, and style that fits a life well-lived.

It's all bullshit and designed to sucker you into buying something online during their "sale". If you were my mom, I'd ban you from clicking through any and all ads you encounter on Facebook and Instagram. And if something fails your sniff test, email me and I'll give you my thoughts.

Watch it, buddy!