As the holiday shopping season kicks off with the buzz of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the excitement also brings a heightened risk of online scams. The FBI recently highlighted this issue, stressing the importance of vigilance during these high-spirited times. According to the agency, the rush of great deals and the convenience of online shopping can sometimes cloud our judgment.
Common Scams to Watch For
The FBI has identified several prevalent scams that peak during the holiday season. These include non-delivery and non-payment scams—where either the payment is taken without any product delivered, or products are shipped but payment never received. Auction fraud and gift card fraud are also rampant, with scammers exploiting the anonymity of the internet to misrepresent products or extract payments via untraceable methods.
The Cost of Complacency
It's more than just the individual losses that add up; these scams have large-scale implications. Recent findings from the Internet Crime Complaint Center show that consumers lost over $309 million to non-delivery and non-payment scams last year alone. Credit card fraud added another significant chunk to the toll, with losses amounting to $173 million.Protecting Yourself Online
The FBI advises online shoppers to double-check the legitimacy of online retailers and be cautious of unsolicited offers. Key tips include avoiding suspicious links, being selective about sharing personal information, using secure payment methods, and keeping track of purchase confirmations and shipping details. It’s essential to remain skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, especially during the holiday season.