GREENSBORO, N.C. — We’re in the middle of the holiday season, bringing joy, family time, and the rush to snag the perfect gifts for your loved ones. However, before you buy those deeply discounted sneakers from a flashy social media ad, think twice.
"Consumers are better off going straight to the site, just type the name of the site into the browser," said Dave Baggett, a cybersecurity expert.
Dummy websites that look and feel just like the real ones are a dime a dozen. These lookalike sites often lure shoppers with discounts on high-demand items, making it easy to fall for scams.
"And here's my fear," said Lechelle Yates from the Better Business Bureau. "This year, with the economy the way it is, with how we're feeling about our pocketbooks, scammers, they are just loading up and waiting to shoot out these ads on social media."
Scammers are taking advantage of that. According to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, social media scams rose by nearly 57% in 2023. With Christmas right around the corner, shoppers might be more likely to take a chance. But the BBB reminded shoppers that if a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is.
"The crooks will cast a wide net and pay attention to what's going on," said Monica Horton with the Better Business Bureau. "They know more and more people are shopping online, out of necessity. The urgency of the message can trick you into making that hasty decision and clicking on that link without thinking about it."
So how can you shop safely online? Experts suggest:
- Double-check the URL for spelling errors or anything suspicious.
- Verify the website’s legitimacy: Look for contact information, like phone numbers, emails, or a physical address.
- Read reviews and look for the BBB seal before making a purchase.
The BBB also suggests paying with a credit card when possible. It provides an extra layer of protection and makes disputing fraudulent charges much easier if something goes wrong.
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