Nov 26, 2024 | posted by Lily Chavez
As the holiday season approaches, fake online shopping sites are becoming more common. Social media ads often promise high-end products—such as electric scooters, designer bags, and popular toys—at prices that seem too good to be true. These fraudulent sites often use stolen images and logos from reputable brands but fail to deliver the real products. To avoid falling for these scams, here’s how you can protect yourself:
Be cautious of unusually low prices. If an ad offers an expensive product at a fraction of its normal cost, it’s likely a scam. Clicking these links could lead you to a fake website that either takes your money and sends you a completely different item or nothing at all.
Here are some steps to shop safely:
Research the seller. Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website, look up the seller’s name along with keywords like "review," "complaint," or "scam" to see what others have said.
Review the sale terms. Check the price, shipping fees, refund policies, and any restocking or return shipping fees. If the terms seem unclear or too complicated, proceed with caution.
Use a credit card. Credit cards provide extra protection, including the ability to dispute charges if you don’t receive the correct item or anything at all.
Avoid strange payment methods. If a seller insists on using gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate businesses never ask for these types of payments.
If you have an issue with your purchase, try contacting the seller first. If that doesn’t resolve the problem, get in touch with your payment provider for assistance.
Interested in learning more about how to protect yourself during holiday shopping? Visit https://consumer.ftc.gov/search-terms/holiday.
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