Shopping online is a convenient way to avoid the crowds while buying novelty items and other products for yourself, your family or your friends. The Internet, however, is the playground of cyber criminals and consumers need to use caution when making purchases online.
Whether you are shopping via an online store or online auction site here are some quick tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of online fraud:
1) Know who you are doing business with: Before engaging in any transaction it is vital that you have confidence and trust in the business, website or person that you will be giving your money to.
• Before making a purchase take the time to check the company or website out. Visit bbb.org to review the company’s BBB Reliability Report.
• When shopping online look for the BBBOnline Reliability Seal. A legitimate BBBOnline Reliability Seal is a graphic that connects to a business’ BBB Reliability Report. This seal helps consumers know they are dealing with a BBB Accredited Business – one that adheres to a set of standards – and has committed to ethical practices. This seal is a symbol of a business you can trust.
• Make sure the Web site you are shopping on is secure. If you want to deal with a company, it’s best to go directly to their official site yourself, rather than following a link from another source.
• If you are shopping via an online auction or trading site take the time to research the person selling the product. Look to see how others have ranked or reviewed their shopping experience and satisfaction with the seller.
2) Use security features:
• Install the latest version of security software on the computer that you use for shopping online.
• When making a payment be sure the site you are using is secure. Make sure the http in the URL section includes the letter “s” and look for the little yellow padlock icon. Click it to confirm the veracity of the site.
• When paying for a product always pay by credit card and use a secure online payment system such as PayPal (etc.). Both the credit card company and the secure online payment system should have security features in place to protect you should your purchase not be delivered.
3) Watch for counterfeits and fakes:
• Both the websites themselves and the products being sold on them may be counterfeit or fake. Do your research in advance to determine what features typically define a product as being legitimate. When it comes to items like tickets and season’s passes it is best to purchase them directly from the original seller/business rather than through a third-party vendor.
• Beware of fake online classified ads and auctions. Criminals often post ads for products they don’t have. Sometimes they use stolen credit card numbers to purchase merchandise, then turn around and attempt to sell the goods at auctions. Make sure you know the seller has a proven track record and check each seller’s feedback ratings.
• As with merchandise, be cautious about buying gift cards through classifieds or auctions. It’s best to buy directly from a merchant or authorized retailer. Counterfeit cards won’t be honored.
4) Read the fine print and save your records/receipts:
It is vital when you make any online purchase that you carefully read all the fine print and the terms of agreement before you make the purchase. Be sure you understand shipping and delivery costs, exchange and refund policies and any other details that may affect the purchase. After you have made your purchase be sure to print off or save your receipt, email exchanges and terms of agreement so that you know for certain what it is you have purchased should there be an error or problem with the product or its delivery.
5) Don't be lured away from secure sites:
It is a time-tested scam of fraudsters to lure unsuspecting victims away from secure online shopping and auction sites to “back closet” or “sideline” venues for negotiations. Would-be victims may be sent to fraudulent Web sites that look legitimate, or to non-secure communication venues like email to make transactions and negotiations. Fraudsters then use the opportunity to steal personal and financial information as well as victim’s money and trust.
For more tips on protecting yourself from becoming a victim of fraud visit vi.bbb.org.
MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH
BBB along with a number of consumer and volunteer groups, government agencies and law enforcement organizations are using the month of March to join forces and educate Canadians on how to recognize, report and stop fraud.
Every Monday in March, BBB will be posting informative Fraud Prevention Tips at vi.bbb.org. Our theme this year is “Protecting Yourself from Online Fraud.” We will also post links to other important fraud prevention organizations.
Education and common sense are the key elements to protecting yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. Educate yourself and stay informed! Visit vi.bbb.org for more information.