The holidays are a time for joy, giving, and, unfortunately, an increase in online scams. Fraudulent shopping websites, particularly those promoted on social media, are more common than ever during this busy season. These scams often promise premium products like e-scooters or luxury handbags at unbelievably low prices. However, many of these operations use stolen branding and imagery from legitimate retailers to deceive unsuspecting shoppers.
To ensure your holiday shopping experience is as safe as it is merry, follow these smart shopping tips:
1. Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If a price seems unusually low compared to market rates, it’s likely a red flag. Scammers often lure shoppers with extreme discounts to trick them into making purchases.
2. Research Before You Buy
If you’re unfamiliar with a seller, look for reviews or complaints online. Search their name or website with terms like “scam” or “fraud” to see if others have reported issues.
3. Read the Fine Print
Before committing to a purchase, carefully review the seller’s terms regarding pricing, returns, shipping, and refund policies. Legitimate retailers provide clear, accessible information.
4. Use Credit Cards for Payments
Credit cards offer valuable purchase protection and the ability to dispute unauthorized transactions. Avoid payments via gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, as these methods are harder to trace and recover.
5. Report and Resolve Issues Promptly
If you experience problems with an online purchase, first try resolving the matter with the seller. If this doesn’t work, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. For more significant issues, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Share the Knowledge, Spread the Safety
At ACB Realty, we believe in empowering our community with practical knowledge. By staying vigilant and sharing these tips, we can help friends and family avoid falling victim to online scams this holiday season.
Wishing you safe and happy holiday shopping!