Can you believe it? Another year has flown by, and here we are again, diving head-first into the holiday shopping season! With gift lists, decorations, and those irresistible “just-for-me” deals, the temptation to splurge online is real. But before you start filling up your cart, let’s talk about something equally real: online shopping scams.
No matter what you are shopping for, it's important to guard against online shopping scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, online shopping scams were the second most common fraud category reported by consumers in 2021. Online scammers are smart, and know how to prey on holiday cheer and our love for bargains. They often create fake websites that are so similar to the sites of popular retailers, it easily tricks consumers into providing payment information. They then take your information and your money, but you never receive the products. Scammers have also developed fake apps that contain malware, so that when you download the app, the malware steals personal information from your device or locks it, holding it for ransom until you pay the scammers. But don’t worry, with a little vigilance, you can protect your money, your data, and your festive spirit.
Spotting the Red Flags
How can you tell if a deal is too good to be true? Often, the clues are subtle but telling. Imagine you stumble upon a product priced so low it feels like a steal. That’s exactly how scammers hook you. Or maybe a website asks for immediate payment via a wire service, or a social media store with no track record promises big savings. These are warning signs.
Keep an eye also on the details; websites or emails riddled with typos, poor grammar, or awkward phrasing should raise your suspicions. So, always double-check the details: Is the website using “https” with a padlock icon in the URL? If not, it’s not secure. And beware of pop-ups asking for credit card details for “free items” or “exclusive coupons”--there is pretty much nothing free in this world, sorry.
Simple Ways to Protect Yourself
- Getting caught up in the excitement of a great deal is easy, but we should prioritize staying safe. Credit cards, for instance, are your best friend for online shopping; they offer a layer of protection if something goes wrong, whether it’s a double charge or a package that never arrives.
- Doing a little homework on unfamiliar retailers also goes a long way. A quick internet search for the company’s name alongside words like “scam” or “fraud” can reveal potential issues. If reviews are glowing but vague, or if there’s no information at all, consider shopping elsewhere.
- It’s also a good idea to keep records. Save receipts, order confirmations, and shipping estimates; these could be your lifeline if you need to dispute a charge or get a refund.
Navigating Email Offers and Pop-Ups
Your inbox is likely overflowing with holiday deals already, but not all are trustworthy. Scammers often send emails that look like they’re from major retailers, offering too-good-to-be-true discounts or claiming there’s an issue with your order. These messages often include links to fake websites designed to steal your personal information, or malware disguised as “coupons” or “special offers.” To stay safe, don’t click on links from unknown senders. Instead, visit the retailer’s website directly to check out the offer.
Free Wi-Fi at coffee shops or airports can also be risky, as these networks are often unsecured, making it easy for scammers to intercept your data. Avoid shopping or logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi, and if you must, stick to websites with “https” encryption for an added layer of security.
Scammers love the holiday rush, especially when packages are flying in and out. One common trick is posing as a shipping company, claiming you need to confirm personal details to receive a package. Don’t fall for it; legitimate delivery companies won’t ask for sensitive information over email or phone.
For added security, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This extra step makes it harder for scammers to break in and it can be as easy as entering a code sent to your phone. Using strong, unique passwords for each account also helps keep your data safe.
Keep an eye on your bank statements, too. We have mentioned this before, probably more than once, but that’s only because spotting suspicious activity early can save you from bigger headaches down the line.
What If You Spot a Scam?
If an online seller fails to deliver, or you realize you’ve been scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
The holidays should be a time of joy and giving, not stress over lost money or stolen information. By staying alert and following these tips, you can keep the season bright, and your bank account safe.
Happy shopping, and may your deals be merry and your data secure!