How to avoid common scams by fraudsters during the holidays
While online shopping scams are not limited to the holiday season, they pick up along with the increase in online shopping activities of consumers. These deceptive schemes and fraudulent activities take various forms, preying on the trust and convenience associated with online shopping. Here are some of the more common types of online shopping scams and how to avoid them.
- Fake online stores: Scammers create fake e-commerce websites that mimic legitimate online retailers. They may offer products at unbelievably low prices to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. Once customers make a purchase, the scammer disappears with the money, and the product is never delivered.
- Phishing websites: Scammers create websites that look identical to well-known online retailers. Shoppers may unknowingly enter their login credentials or credit card information on these fake sites, exposing their personal and financial data to fraudsters.
- Counterfeit goods: Some online sellers falsely claim to offer genuine products at a discounted price but actually provide counterfeit or subpar items. This type of scam can be especially prevalent in the sale of fashion, electronics and luxury items.
- Bait and switch: Scammers advertise a specific product but deliver something different or inferior. This may involve providing a much cheaper product or a completely different item in place of what was advertised.
- Non-delivery scams: After making a purchase, the product is never delivered, or the seller claims it was shipped but demands additional payment for customs fees or other charges. The customer ends up paying more but never receives the item.
Take precautions when shopping online
To avoid falling victim to online shopping scams, it’s crucial to exercise caution when making online purchases. Always research the seller, only shop with reputable sellers, check the website’s security, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use a credit card with fraud protection or secure payment sites like PayPal that provide an extra layer of protection.
If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or similar agencies in the United States.
Contact Alpine Bank immediately if you suspect you have fallen victim to fraudulent activity and have disclosed information concerning your Alpine Bank accounts. Call us at (970) 625-7174 or visit your local Alpine Bank branch location.
- Fake online stores: Scammers create fake e-commerce websites that mimic legitimate online retailers. They may offer products at unbelievably low prices to lure in unsuspecting shoppers. Once customers make a purchase, the scammer disappears with the money, and the product is never delivered.
- Phishing websites: Scammers create websites that look identical to well-known online retailers. Shoppers may unknowingly enter their login credentials or credit card information on these fake sites, exposing their personal and financial data to fraudsters.
- Counterfeit goods: Some online sellers falsely claim to offer genuine products at a discounted price but actually provide counterfeit or subpar items. This type of scam can be especially prevalent in the sale of fashion, electronics and luxury items.
- Bait and switch: Scammers advertise a specific product but deliver something different or inferior. This may involve providing a much cheaper product or a completely different item in place of what was advertised.
- Non-delivery scams: After making a purchase, the product is never delivered, or the seller claims it was shipped but demands additional payment for customs fees or other charges. The customer ends up paying more but never receives the item.
Take precautions when shopping online
To avoid falling victim to online shopping scams, it’s crucial to exercise caution when making online purchases. Always research the seller, only shop with reputable sellers, check the website’s security, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Use a credit card with fraud protection or secure payment sites like PayPal that provide an extra layer of protection.
If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or similar agencies in the United States.
Contact Alpine Bank immediately if you suspect you have fallen victim to fraudulent activity and have disclosed information concerning your Alpine Bank accounts. Call us at (970) 625-7174 or visit your local Alpine Bank branch location.
About This Author
Ross Bentzler
Ross Bentzler is Executive VP and Information Security Officer for Alpine Bank. Ross has worked in the information technology field for two decades, focusing on information security for 13 years.
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