Stay Alert – Beware of Online Shopping Scams

Scammers will try to trick you into buying fake or counterfeit items, or paying for items you never receive, by creating websites that look like popular online stores. They may also contact you directly through email or social media, offering great deals on popular items that are hard to find.

Here are some of the most common online shopping scams:

• Auction Scams - You find a great deal on an auction site, but after you pay, they never send the product, or they send a fake one.
  
  
• Counterfeit Goods Scams - You're sent counterfeit goods instead of the real thing. Fake products may not work properly and can pose a safety hazard.
  
  
• Fake Online Stores - These scam websites look like a legitimate online store, but they're just trying to get your payment information. The website may disappear altogether after a short time.
  
  
• Payment Processing Scams - You're asked to pay by gift cards, wire transfer, or a prepaid debit card. Once you make the payment, you never receive the product or service.
  
  
• Phishing Scams - These usually come in the form of an email that looks like it's from a legitimate online store. The goal is to get your login credentials or credit card number.
  
  
• Social Media Shopping Scams - Scammers will often pose as a seller on sites such as Etsy, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. When you reach out to inquire about an item, they ask for too much personal and financial information.

When you shop online, watch for red flags that indicate it's a scam. They include a website or ad that looks unprofessional, a seller asking for personal information before you make a purchase, and no contact information provided for the website or business. Be especially wary of deals involving designer items, weight loss products, and vacation packages.

If you become the victim of an online shopping scam, act right away to protect yourself and your finances. Keep all documentation related to the scam, including any emails, messages, or receipts. You may need to provide this information to law enforcement. If the scammer got your credit card number or bank account information, contact the financial institution immediately. It may be able to help you cancel the transaction or get your money back.