Generally speaking, a credit card is the safest way to pay for an online purchase. To the left of the web address (where you type www), you should see a locked padlock, an intact key icon or the letters “ Protect yourself Secure sites are safest, and they’re easily identifiable. One simple check will help ensure you’re only giving business to credible companies. Shopping online doesn’t have to be scary. Sellers (and buyers, for that matter!) with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no ratings at all Sellers who act as authorized dealers or factory representatives of popular items in countries where there would be no such dealersĥ. Sellers who request funds be wired directly to them via a money transfer company, prepaid card or bank-to-bank wire transferĤ. Sellers who post an auction or advertisement under one name but ask that payment be sent to someone elseģ. Sellers who post an auction or advertisement as if they reside in the United States, then respond to questions by stating they are out of the country on business, for a family emergency or a similar excuseĢ. To that end, you should we wary of and avoid sellers like these:ġ. Gift card fraud insists payment be made with a prepaid card. Auction fraud misrepresents an item on an auction site. In addition to fraudulent sites and advertisements, be aware of potential auction fraud and gift card fraud.
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An unsolicited email or text (even if it appears to come from a legitimate company) asking you to click on a link or download an app to access a deal or arrange delivery Fraudulent sellers Spelling errors and/or poor grammar on websites, ads or emailsĥ. Huge discounts on sought-after items, especially when promoted on social media posts or unfamiliar, insecure websitesĢ. What should you look for to help identify a scam? Here are a few of the signs:ġ. Holiday scams not only cost you money, they also endanger your personal information. These fraudulent accounts will ask you to make a purchase, seemingly at a great deal, but you’ll never receive the product you purchase. Scammers often try to recreate that experience by making fake websites and social media campaigns that impersonate brands consumers know and trust. Retailers across the country offer special deals around the holiday season. While many scams will be variations on the types of fraud we mentioned in this blog, others will be specific to the holidays. In fact, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) estimates thousands of people will fall prey to scammers during the holiday season. The scammers will be searching for new ways to exploit your shopping habits, especially online. The holiday season has arrived! As you navigate the world of online shopping, beware of holiday scams.