Online shopping is convenient and offers a myriad of selections. Unfortunately, it is the most common type of fraud reported to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB Scam Tracker reported 32 percent of complaints in 2022 were from online purchases with three of four victims reporting a monetary loss.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the most commonly reported scams on social media are online shopping scams. Fake e-stores will sometimes imitate trusted retailers with the same look and feel that is easily mistaken. These fake stores may sell knockoffs or inferior merchandise and could leave customers waiting endlessly for the product. Scammers will sometimes create apps, links, and coupons with malware that can infect your device and steal personal information.
These fraudulent activities are more prevalent during the Holidays and the shopping season. Take precautions when shopping online to safeguard yourself and your personal information.
Warning signs:
Websites that do not look professional with clumsy English and limited contact options
URLs or website addresses with extra characters or words that do not look legitimate
Merchants who take payment by money order, gift card, or wire transfers
Nonexistant or vague policies (e.g., refund and exchange policies, delivery policies, privacy policies)
Website that ask for personal information or require a download to access discounts or coupons
If you are a victim of an online scam, file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complain Center at https://www.ic3.gov/ and the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/.
Additionally, file a complaint with the state's attorney at https://www.naag.org/find-my-ag/ and consumer protection agency at https://www.usa.gov/state-consumer.
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