How to Avoid Scammers When Shopping Online

During a season when time is limited, the ease of online shopping adds allure. But convenience comes with a catch: scammers targeting your shopping session. These scams can take several forms, from phishing to fraudulent charities, and they’re often very convincing. In fact, more than one third of people, according to a PEW Research Center Survey, have fallen for a scam.

Avoid online gift exchanges

A popular holiday trend in recent years has been a gift exchange fueled by social media. Typically, participants are asked to submit their name and email to a list and given a stranger’s information. You are then asked to send a gift or money. While the idea of “paying it forward” and gift exchanges in general is heartwarming, these tend to lead to a pyramid-style scheme where you send money and gifts with nothing in return.

Sending your information to a stranger can be dangerous, even if it seems to be for a good reason. Similar scams may involve fake charities sending phishing emails or using fake advertising. If you are looking to donate this holiday season, we’ve broken down the five steps to avoiding scammers.

Be suspicious of social media ads

Your social media algorithm is a great way to find unique gift ideas, but it can also include fake links or products. It’s important to know that most social media sites don’t vet their advertisers. This means scammers can post an ad designed to look like your favorite brand or a cool, new product to lure you into a fake website, promising drastically lower-than-retail prices.

Even if you think you’ve clicked on a legitimate link, always check the URL address at the top of your screen, especially if the price seems too good to be true. If you are buying something from a site you’ve never heard of, read their profile reviews on the Better Business Bureau.

Check delivery notifications

Many scams that work start from a place of confusion. While you may be buying more than usual, it can be tricky to track everything. That’s where scammers come in with emails and texts claiming to have shipping and delivery information for a package inside an attached link. They pose as a legitimate service, like UPS, the United States Postal Service, or a seller. But once you click the link, it may install malware on your device or ask you for personal information. Never click on these links. If you are expecting a package, refer to the shipping notification that came directly from the seller or go directly to the mail carrier’s website.

There are three main types of texts to be alert for, during the holiday season and beyond. Learn more about each of them on our website.

If You’ve Fallen Victim

Whenever you shop online, protect yourself by paying with a credit card, doing your own research on the product, and keeping records of what’s in transit. Fraudsters are trying to prey on your distraction, so the most important thing to do is stay alert.

If you’ve accidentally fallen for one of these scams, don’t panic. Notify your banking and credit card company immediately. They will be able to advise you on whether locking your account or card is enough to keep you protected, or whether further action is needed.

Further action may involve filing a report with the police, Federal Trade Commission and Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Also consider placing a fraud alert on your credit card report with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

We’ve created a list of additional ways that you can help yourself avoid scams on our website. Our team of Associates are here to help, you can call Customer Service directly at 888.973.7226.