Online Scams To Look Out For During the Holiday Season

As we enter the holiday season, many of us will turn to shopping online to avoid the crowds. It’s essential that as consumers turn to online sites, so too do cyber criminals looking to steal money through scams. Set forth below are some helpful tips to avoid online scams.

Scammers are everywhere online, even social media. Scammers may pose as legitimate companies and run ads offering brand-name items at “too good to be true” prices. Clicking those ads can lead you to fake websites designed to take your money and send you a counterfeit item, something totally different from what was advertised, or nothing at all.

When shopping online, use these tips to protect yourself — during the holidays and all year long:

• Do some research. Before buying, look up the seller’s name and the website from the ad, along with keywords like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what others are saying before you spend your money.

• Do not pay with a debit card- only with a credit card. If you’re double-charged, receive the wrong item, or never receive anything at all, credit cards give you the option to dispute the charge. And if a seller insists on payment via gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency, take it as a major red flag — it’s likely a scam.

• Keep your records. Hold on to your receipt and order confirmation number. They’re essential if something goes wrong and you need a refund. Also, remember: sellers must ship your order by the date they promise — or provide an option to get your money back.

If you have been affected by a holiday scam, our data privacy attorneys are here to help. Contact us for a free case review