Avoid Djidroner.com - My Costly Mistake

General Drone Discussions
1

I made a big mistake, and I want to share my experience so no one else falls for this.

I recently decided to get serious about drones and work toward my Part 107 certification. I help teach math at my local high school, and our aviation teacher suggested I get certified since I might be teaching aviation courses soon.

After researching, I decided to buy the Mini 4 Pro Fly More Plus package. DJI’s official store was out of stock, so I searched online and found a sponsored link for DJI Droner. The website looked a bit sketchy, but they claimed to be an “Authorized DJI Store.” Since it was a Google-sponsored link, I assumed it was safe.

Well, I was wrong. I placed an order for $1,300, then checked DJI’s official site again and realized this store was not authorized. I searched for more info and quickly realized this was a scam. Their “customer service” uses a Gmail address, and their return policy is a joke—they claim to have a 30-day money-back guarantee, but in reality, they charge a $300 shipping fee plus a 20% restocking fee, meaning I’d lose $560 just to return it.

After 24 hours, I noticed small fraudulent charges on my card—$0.77, $0.99, $1.32, etc. I immediately contacted my credit card company, canceled the card, and flagged the $1,300 charge. Since the charge was still pending, I couldn’t dispute it yet. I emailed their “support” team multiple times, threatening legal action, but received no response.

If you’re looking to buy a drone, do not fall for scam sites. Always order from DJI’s official website or well-known retailers like Best Buy, Adorama, B&H, or Amazon (sold by DJI).

I ended up buying the same drone from Adorama for nearly the same price—with a real DJI Care warranty. Hoping my credit card company resolves the dispute soon.

2

Best Buy, Microcenter, even some Apple Stores and Walmarts sell DJI drones. Adorama and B&H are great too if you’re near NYC.

Make sure to file a chargeback the moment that $1,300 charge posts. Don’t let them get away with it.

3

@Keir
Adorama and B&H both offer free overnight shipping on expensive items like drones. No need to drive anywhere if you don’t want to.

4

Finley said:
@Keir
Adorama and B&H both offer free overnight shipping on expensive items like drones. No need to drive anywhere if you don’t want to.

Yeah, it’s all personal preference. Some people just like to buy in-store when they can.

5

@Keir
I live in a rural area in Texas. San Antonio isn’t too far, but my local Walmart doesn’t carry decent DJI drones. My only options were to drive an hour or order online. Appreciate the advice, though.

6

@Drue
That makes sense. Adorama was a good call—totally reputable. B&H is great too, they’re right next door to each other in NYC.

7

Keir said:
@Drue
That makes sense. Adorama was a good call—totally reputable. B&H is great too, they’re right next door to each other in NYC.

I’ve never been to either store in person, but they sound great. Glad I went with Adorama.

8

Your credit card company should refund you once you dispute the charge.

9

Presley said:
Your credit card company should refund you once you dispute the charge.

This is actually my first dispute ever, and I’m 41. My credit card company told me they can’t do anything until the charge posts, but they’ve been helpful so far. I’m keeping all emails and documentation in case I need them.

10

@Drue
Once it posts, they should credit you the amount right away. You’ll probably get a letter in a few weeks after they finish their investigation. This is why credit cards are great for big purchases—you have protection in cases like this.

11

Sorry to hear that, man.

12

Cal said:
Sorry to hear that, man.

Appreciate it, but I brought this on myself by not double-checking before buying. Lesson learned.

13

Scam sites often copy real websites to look legit. The main giveaway is that everything is always in stock and on sale. I got tricked by one last year and eventually got most of my money back. I’ll be more careful next time.

14

@Tallis
Good to know I’m not the only one. I got ‘drone fever’ and rushed the purchase. Definitely won’t make that mistake again.

15

OP, when you get your refund and your real drone, come back and post a video celebrating. I’m holding back laughing until you have your legit drone in hand!