08.31.24

Online shopping — don’t get hooked by fake sellers

Love a good bargain? We all do! But when shopping online, be cautious of those too-good-to-be-true deals. Scammers are lurking, ready to snatch up your credit card information.

Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, do your research. Here’s how to spot fake online sellers:

  • Check the Website: Does the website look legit? Look for typos, poor design, or suspicious URLs.
  • Read the Reviews: Check customer reviews to see what other people have experienced. Fake sellers often have few or no reviews.
  • Verify Contact Information: Try to contact the seller through a different channel, like phone or email. If they’re hard to reach, it might be a red flag.
  • Secure Payment Methods: Always look for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar before entering payment information. This indicates a secure connection.

Remember, a little extra caution can go a long way. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself from online scams and enjoy a safe shopping experience.