How to Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Scams

Shopping online has been growing for years, especially during the pandemic. It is convenient, fast, and easy. However, scammers are keeping pace. It’s important to know how to shop safely so you don’t fall victim to online shopping scams.

What is Online Shopping Scam?

Online shopping scams are fraudulent schemes that seek to take advantage of consumers who are shopping online. According to a spam call report by RealCall, online shopping scams have been one of the leading scam types.

There are a few warning signs that you may be dealing with an online shopping scam:

• Unsolicited emails or phone calls: If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from an online store that you have never heard of, or that you do not have an existing relationship with, it may be a scam.
• Suspicious website: If the website you are on looks suspicious or has poor design, it may be a scam. Be sure to check the website's URL for typos or misspellings, as these are often signs of a fake website.
• Requests for personal information: Legitimate online stores will not ask for sensitive personal information, such as your social security number or bank account details, during the checkout process. If a website asks for this type of information, it may be a scam.
• Unclear terms of service or privacy policy: Be sure to read the terms of service and privacy policy of any online store before making a purchase. If these documents are difficult to understand or do not clearly explain how your personal information will be used, it may be a red flag.
• Pressure to make a decision: If you are being pressured to make a purchase decision quickly, or if you feel like you are being rushed into a sale, it may be a sign of a scam.
• Requests for payment outside of the website: If you are asked to make a payment outside of the website, such as by wire transfer or gift card, it is likely a scam.

Common Types of Online Shopping Scams

There are a few common types of online shopping scams to be aware of:

Phishing scams

These scams involve criminals sending fake emails or creating fake websites that look like legitimate online stores, to steal personal information such as login credentials or credit card information.

Fake product scams

In these scams, scammers may create fake online stores that look like legitimate websites and offer products or services at discounted prices. They may use fake product listings or manipulate images and descriptions to trick consumers into buying products that do not exist or are not as described.

Fake or counterfeit product scams

Scammers may sell fake or counterfeit products through legitimate online marketplaces or their own fake online stores. These products may be of poor quality or may not work as advertised.

Payment scams

These scams involve criminals tricking consumers into paying for products or services that are never delivered. They may ask for payment through untraceable methods such as wire transfers or gift cards, making it difficult for victims to get their money back.

Upselling scams

Scammers may try to upsell consumers by offering additional products or services at the time of purchase. They may use high-pressure sales tactics or make false claims about the products or services to persuade consumers to buy.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Shopping Scams

To protect yourself from online shopping scams, it's important to be cautious when shopping online and to follow these tips:

• Only shop on reputable websites that have secure connections (look for "https" in the URL).
• Don't click on links in emails from unknown sources or enter your personal information on suspicious websites.
• Use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or payment services like PayPal, that offer buyer protection.
• Research the seller or website before making a purchase. Look for reviews from other customers and check the website's privacy policy and terms of service.
• Keep records of your online transactions, including receipts and confirmation emails.

By putting these tips into practice, you can feel more confident that you will recognize the signs of a scam and do shopping online safely. If you suspect that you may be dealing with a scam, do not provide any personal information or make any payments, and report the issue to the authorities or to a trusted third party, such as your bank or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).