BBB Issues Warning For Cyber Monday Shoppers
Dec 2, 2019, 7:25 AM | Updated: 7:27 am
Avoid scammers preying on holiday shoppers. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Cyber Monday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and the Better Business Bureau wants to make sure you’re not getting scammed.
In 2018, American consumers spent a record-breaking $7.9 billion online on Cyber Monday alone. The BBB is warning that scammers are well aware of that and are ready to take advantage of consumers.
Officials said to watch out for false advertising and phony websites.
“If a company is selling the hottest item of the year at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is,” according to the BBB. “Watch out for false advertising and keep a close eye on the web address in your browser. Scammers love to create lookalike websites that, at first glance, appear to belong to a trusted retailer.”
The BBB suggests shopping only on trustworthy sellers that have secure websites. This includes making sure web addresses begin with “https://” and not just “http://.”
“Never put personal or credit card information in forms on non-secure web pages,” the BBB warns.
Authorities said to keep your antivirus software up to date, understand the return policies on the site you’re shopping, and use your credit card to make purchases.
“It’s always best to make online purchases with your credit card,” the BBB states. “If any shady charges turn up later, you will be able to contest them through your credit card company. Debit cards don’t offer this same protection. Never make purchases with online sellers by giving them prepaid debit cards or wiring them money.”
In the shopping rush, the BBB warns that this is also the time phishing scams can make their way through. Officials said shoppers should look for unsolicited emails, texts, calls and letters.
“These messages may claim you have a free gift waiting for you or that there is a problem with a delivery,” according to the BBB. “All you need to do is click on a link or give up your personal information. Avoid phishing scams by ignoring suspicious correspondence and calls from unfamiliar phone numbers.”
For more information, visit BBB.org/avoidScams.
