BBB Alerts Consumers Against Online Shopping Scams Ahead of Major Sales Events
As millions of consumers look forward to grabbing deals and discounts from big online retailers, online scammers are also preparing to lure and cheat them with fake offers and phishing emails. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), a nonprofit organization, is urging buyers to be careful of potential scams that could ruin their shopping experience.
Scammers are taking advantage of the opportunity to lure unsuspecting consumers into clicking on fake links, visiting phony websites, or providing their personal or financial information. According to BBB, Some of the common tactics that scammers use include:
1. Sending phishing emails or text messages that claim there is a problem with an order, a shipping delay, or a cancellation, and asking the recipient to click on a link or call a number to resolve the issue.
2. Creating fake websites or ads that look like they are from popular marketplaces or online retailers, but redirect the user to a fraudulent site or ask for payment through an unsecured method.
3. Offering too-good-to-be-true deals or coupons that require the user to sign up for a free trial, a membership, or a survey, but end up charging them hidden fees or subscriptions.
2. Creating fake websites or ads that look like they are from popular marketplaces or online retailers, but redirect the user to a fraudulent site or ask for payment through an unsecured method.
3. Offering too-good-to-be-true deals or coupons that require the user to sign up for a free trial, a membership, or a survey, but end up charging them hidden fees or subscriptions.
Tips by BBB for Safer online shopping during retail sales season:
- Be cautious of phishing attempts: Phishing emails may appear to come from popular retailers. These emails often increase during busy shopping periods. Keep track of your purchases, including where they are from and any tracking numbers associated with them.
- Watch out for unsolicited communications: Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls claiming you have a gift waiting or indicating a problem with delivery. These messages may ask you to click on a link or provide personal information. Know your opt-in and opt-out preferences before clicking on any links.
- Be cautious of social media ads: Look out for lookalike websites that resemble trusted retailers. Pay attention to the URL and ensure it matches the legitimate business name. Check for legitimate contact information and customer service numbers. Trust your instincts when evaluating deals that seem too good to be true.
- Beware of lookalike websites: Check the URL for any inconsistencies, watch for grammar mistakes, research the age of the domain, look for contact information, and read online reviews to ensure the website is legitimate.
- Don't solely rely on professional photos: Just because a website displays professional photos doesn't guarantee it's a legitimate offer. Photos can be stolen from other websites, so don't solely rely on visual cues.
- Verify website security: Look for the "HTTPS" in the URL, indicating a secure connection, and check for a lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only "HTTP" as it is not secure.
- Exercise caution when purchasing sought-after products: If a product is sold out everywhere, be wary of seemingly great deals. Scammers often take advantage of popular products by offering them at low prices to trick shoppers.
- Use credit cards for online purchases: It's generally safer to use credit cards when making online purchases. If any fraudulent charges occur, you can contest them through your credit card company. Be cautious of retailers that insist on non-traditional payment methods like digital wallet apps or prepaid money cards.
- Stay alert for post-sale scams: Even after making a purchase, be vigilant for scams. Keep an eye out for post-sale offers that may attempt to deceive you.
By following these steps, consumers can enjoy mega sales events without falling victim to online scams.
About The Better Business Bureau (BBB):
BBB is a nonprofit organization that reports on businesses and charities. It was founded in 1912 and has over 100 local offices in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The BBB’s mission is to advance marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business practices, evaluating businesses and charities, resolving disputes between consumers and businesses, and educating the public about consumer rights and responsibilities. The BBB assigns ratings to businesses and charities based on several factors, such as their complaint history, transparency, licensing, advertising, and customer service. The ratings range from A+ (highest) to F (lowest), and can help consumers make informed decisions about who to do business with.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
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About The Better Business Bureau (BBB):
BBB is a nonprofit organization that reports on businesses and charities. It was founded in 1912 and has over 100 local offices in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The BBB’s mission is to advance marketplace trust by setting standards for ethical business practices, evaluating businesses and charities, resolving disputes between consumers and businesses, and educating the public about consumer rights and responsibilities. The BBB assigns ratings to businesses and charities based on several factors, such as their complaint history, transparency, licensing, advertising, and customer service. The ratings range from A+ (highest) to F (lowest), and can help consumers make informed decisions about who to do business with.
About ChannelMAX.NET:
ChannelMAX offers Amazon Repricer that runs on the latest AI Repricing algorithm to do Amazon Pricing Management or Amazon Repricing. Based on Amazon SP API, the repricing engine or repricer runs 24/7 and efficiently manages Amazon prices to maximize your BuyBox with profit optimization. Established in 2005, ChannelMAX has been integrated with Amazon technology since 2007, helping thousands of third-party sellers on various eCommerce platforms. Some of the eCommerce platforms, aka marketplaces, supported by ChannelMAX.NET, are Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and Shopify. Some of ChannelMAX key offerings include ChannelMAX Amazon Repricer, 2ndly, ChannelMAX Amazon FBA Audits and FBA Refunds management, an offering for managing Amazon FBA Refunds Reimbursement management for lost or damaged or misplaced inventory for which Amazon is responsible and for which sellers deserve appropriate credit reimbursement from Amazon. ChannelMAX Services offer Remote (aka Virtual) Full-Time eCommerce Assistant to help 3P sellers run their daytoday business.
Check ChannelMAX at Amazon Selling Partner Appstore, an application with a 5 star rating.