Stopping Scams: From Shopping to Shipping

Online shopping and services make ordering, paying, and delivering easier than ever. But as these transactions become part of our daily lives, scammers exploit these activities, especially during busy parts of the year such as holidays. So, stay alert for these fraud trends.

Online Shopping Scams

When browsing the internet for great deals, watch out for scammers who exploit the online retail environment. Scammers create fake websites or social media campaigns that look legitimate, but doing anything on those bogus sites – making purchases or simply clicking a link – can lead to identity theft.

Before entering any personal information, check that the website is secured. Watch for oddities in the logo or grammatical or spelling errors throughout the site. Always remain alert when shopping online, and remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Shipping & Delivery Scams

Like online shopping scams, criminals send emails that seemingly come from an official mail carrier or retail company. These emails may claim that an order can’t be delivered until you update the information, tricking consumers into providing credit card and personal information. These types of emails are likely a scam, so do not click on the email link. If you think you may have an order you need to check on, visit the retail site you ordered from directly or call customer service to get information.

This scam isn’t just digital. People may also receive regular mail in mailboxes, claiming that a delivery was attempted. This postcard or letter will direct you to provide your personal information, such as a Social Security number or a credit card to receive your package. Just as with the online scam, you should contact the retailer or mail service directly if there seems to be a problem with delivery. Do not call the numbers provided or access online web addresses to provide information.

Package Theft

With the rise in online shopping comes an influx of package deliveries – and an increase of package thefts, too. This risk becomes especially high during holidays, events, and other busy periods, when thieves take advantage of both increased deliveries and people’s absence from their homes.

When expecting shipments, take extra precautions. Schedule deliveries for when someone is home, or request that they leave packages at a side or back door. If a delivery is scheduled when the home will be vacant, leave lights on and make it look like someone is present.

Charity Scams

To make a difference in the world, many people donate to worthwhile charities and causes. Unfortunately, many fraudulent charities scam people out of their money and never share the donations with a good cause.

Scammers will solicit donors via cold calls, emails, and crowdfunding websites. They may also invent a bogus story about the phony charitable cause. To avoid this, only donate to known and trusted charities. Check out Labyrinth, Inc.’s article on five ways to determine a charity’s legitimacy.

Gift Card and Social Media Giveaways

Many legitimate companies offer incentives for customer feedback, including gift cards. However, criminals distribute similar survey emails.

The fraudulent survey will offer gift cards in return for personal information, but their real purpose is to steal identities. Always verify the sender’s identity before filling providing any personal information, however enticing the offer.

Other emails may ask the recipient to purchase gift cards on behalf of the sender, who may appear to be an authority figure or even someone you know. Don’t fall for these tactics. Always verify the request.

Take Action and Report Crime

If you or someone you know falls victim to a shopping scam or package theft, contact law enforcement. You may be preventing others from the same fate. Also, check with the retailer or shipping service to see if the package was insured for delivery. You may be able to recover your losses.