The Mashbir department store network is warning the public against a fake website impersonating the official Israel site of fashion brand Kenneth Cole. According to the company, the website uses the brand name and recognized design elements in a manner likely to mislead consumers into making purchases or handing over personal information and credit card details.
Mashbir clarified that the website is not affiliated with Kenneth Cole or the Mashbir chain, calling on the public to refrain from making purchases through it or entering personal or payment details. The company added that it is working with the relevant authorities to remove the impersonating site.
Galit Falah, deputy CEO of Kenneth Cole Israel, stated: "It is important to us to protect our customers and enable them to shop with confidence. We are working to remove the impersonating site and call on the public to exercise vigilance and make purchases only through the brand's official channels."
The chain recommends that consumers carefully verify website URLs before making a purchase and avoid entering personal or credit card details on sites not recognized as official brand channels.
The fashion brand was founded in 1982 by Kenneth Cole, a Jewish-American designer who serves as its CEO and chief designer since its establishment roughly 40 years ago. The label currently operates in 70 countries worldwide across 32 fashion and lifestyle categories.
In 2021, the Mashbir network received the exclusive franchise to market the brand's products in Israel. It has since sold products in various categories including shoes, apparel, fragrances, and home textiles such as bedding, towels, and robes in Mashbir stores and at brand flagship locations.