According to the 2021 BBB Risk Report, online purchase scams accounted for nearly 38 percent of all reports filed in 2021. Roughly 75 percent of consumers reporting an online purchase scam to BBB Scam Tracker indicated a financial loss.
Scammers preyed on these online consumers, taking advantage of the hard-to-find items by creating fake websites and substandard products and offering them at “too good to be true” prices. Sometimes consumers find what they ordered is not what they get. Many ads pop up with enticing gadgets, cute merchandise, or items with a subliminal “I got to have it” messages, making it irresistible to click and check it out. Unfortunately, some of these companies or private sellers aren’t quite what they seem. Consumers report that once the order is placed, the company doesn’t send the product, or it is not of good quality.
An Indianapolis man reported losing $700 to BBB Scam Tracker after attempting to purchase a firearm online. He sent payment through Zelle, then was instructed to send more money due to additional fees. When he declined, he was immediately blocked and never received the product.
BBB offers these tips when making online purchases:
Know the advertiser
Some of the best deals are only available online but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website, so make sure you are shopping with a legitimate site. If the site is missing contact information, that is a red flag. Check out retailers at BBB.org before you shop.
Check a site’s security settings
If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with “https://” and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping cart page.
Be a savvy shopper
When shopping online, be sure to take your time and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy; although many online orders can be returned for a full refund, others have restocking fees. Some items cannot be returned; know before you buy.
Protect personal information
Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. If a site doesn’t have a privacy policy, that’s a big red flag that it may be a scam.
Think before you click
Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals or trendy clothing that don’t measure up to the promotional hype.
Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals
Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may offer free or very low prices on hard-to-find items. There may be hidden costs, or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.
Beware of phishing
Phishing emails can look like a message from a well-known brand but clicking on unfamiliar links can place you at risk for malware and/or identity theft. One popular scam claims to be from a package-delivery company with links to “tracking information” on an order you don’t remember making. Don’t click!
Shop with a credit card
In case of a fraudulent transaction, a credit card provides additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges that you didn’t approve or to get your money back if there is a problem. Debit cards, prepaid cards or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.
Keep documentation of your order
Save a copy of the confirmation page or email confirmation until you receive the item and are satisfied. Be sure to know and understand the return policy and keep this documented with your purchase records.
Keep a clean machine
Install a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software for network security. Check for and install the latest updates and run virus scans regularly on your computer, tablet, and smart phone.
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For more highlights from the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, visit BBBMarketplaceTrust.org/RiskReport.
Go to BBB.org/ScamTracker to report a scam, learn more about other risky scams on BBB.org/ScamTips and visit the BBB news feed.