Shopping online has not only become more popular and convenient, but it is also a common target place for criminals to scam unsuspecting consumers. Scammers may use phishing emails, misleading advertisements on social media, or fake websites to trick consumers into providing personal and financial information. It is important to be cautious and take your time when shopping online, especially when there are limited-time deals or promotions on websites like the upcoming Prime Day offers.
In 2022, online shopping scams were the second-most reported type of scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC provides tips to avoid problems while online shopping and suggests that consumers research products and companies and keep records of what we buy, as well as the promises a seller makes. They also recommend to try to stay ahead of these problems, if you haven’t shopped with a company before, start by searching online for the company’s name, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people are saying.
And no matter where you shop online, remember:
- Check refund and return policies. Sellers often have different (and stricter) refund and return policies for sale items, and dishonest sellers will use tricky disclosures and fine print to deny refund requests.
- Use a credit card for online purchases, if possible. Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud compared to other types of payments including the right to dispute charges if there are problems with your purchase.
- Always save your receipts and confirmation emails. If something goes wrong, these can help you get your money back from the seller or file a dispute with your credit card company.
Whether you are shopping near the holidays or just looking to find some good bargains, consumers need to be diligent to avoid being scammed. It is also crucial to report suspected scams and questionable emails. Consumers can forward phishing emails to reportphishing@apwg.org (an address used by the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), which includes ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies). Forwarding suspected phishing emails to APWG contributes to fraud and crime prevention services to protect users and track criminal activity. For more information on phishing and how to recognize and avoid phishing emails, visit the FTC’s Consumer Advice page.
Private companies may also have specific ways to report potential scams, so be sure to review their website if you encounter a problem. For example, if you receive a suspicious communication pretending to be from Amazon and don’t have an account with Amazon, report it to Amazon at stop-spoofing@amazon.com.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office for assistance if you have been scammed or have questions about avoiding or reporting an online shopping scam. The Erie County Office of Consumer Protection can be reached by phone at 716-858-1987 or via email to consumerprotection@erie.gov. Consumer Protection complaints can also be submitted through our website.