Now that we are in the middle of the holiday shopping season, a non-profit organization is warning once again about scammers.
They are getting craftier.
Julia Lewis, CEO with the Better Business Bureau says shopping online and, on your phone, in addition to a shorter shopping season, due to a later Black Friday, as well as tighter budgets all create a sense of urgency.
This, she tells us, is music to scammers ears.
“That’s something they can pray on. Then, with people shopping online, that’s a good venue for them to be taking advantage of people.”
What to watch out for
The main things to watch out for are false ads and phony websites.
Lewis says scammers love to create a look-a-like website.
“You’ll be searching, you know…doing the typical internet browser search for an item that you’re looking for …you’ll see it offered at 75 per cent off. You click on that link, and it ends up being a phony website.”
In addition to that, they will try phishing.
“You’ll receive a text or an email that a package has been delivered. They’re looking for you to click links and either looking to kind of add malware to the device you’re using, or they’re looking for you to provide your personal information.”
Some deals too good to be true
It’s a busy time of year, so Lewis says getting more information is helpful, before clicking and purchasing.
“If you are seeing 75 per cent off this years’ hottest toy or big-ticket item, you definitely want to weary and doing your research. Don’t just click on that add and head over to the site.”
She says to make sure contact information for the retailer is legit before paying for anything and to be aware that some deals are just too good to be true.
