Super Sale On Name Brand Goods Scam
Everyone is looking for a good deal. The trouble is that scammers are looking as well. And they will stop at nothing to get information about you while possibly taking you for a ride for your money.
A recent scam that has become more prevalent is the targeting of consumers on social media with ads for sales claiming a huge discount on name brand products.
How It Works
If you scroll on social media, chances are you will see an advertisement offering a 95% discount on brand clothes and electronics. Clicking on the advertisement will lead you then to a website where you can look at more offerings.
The trouble with the scam is that the people behind it are attempting to take your credit card information. There may be some scammers who will actually send you a product, but it’s a cheap imitation of the product you were looking at.
Some of these sites can even download malware onto your computer, giving scammers access to personal information.
How to Avoid this Scam
Here’s what you can do if you suspect an advertisement is a scam:
- Know the Site: Be careful when purchasing items online from retailers you are not familiar with.
- Off Brand URLs: Scammers will use domain names that are similar to actual retail sites, a method of enticing people to visit.
- Secure Connection: The SSL in the domain bar of a site indicates it is protected by something called a secured server layer. It’s a method of protecting against hackers and scammers. It means any kind of information you input is encrypted and therefore hard for hackers and scammers to access and make for future use.
- Credit Card: Use your credit card. By paying with a credit card, you can dispute charges that are fraudulent. The credit card is the safest method of paying for items online.
Red Flags
- Too good to be true deals: Though some e-commerce sites are wonderful and may have incredible deals, a big red flag to look out for are deals that are too good to be true.
- Unsecured Site re-directs: Be wary of sites that have more than one re-direct. This is when you click on a link and it takes you to a site. If it takes you to two or three other sites, chances are you are being redirected to a site that is not secured.
- Data Mining: Another important red flag is the attempt of the site to get your data before any kind of transaction takes place. Imagine going to a site and before you see the actual items, they want your email address. This is an attempt at data mining, a method by which scammers gather personal information about you. It is highly dangerous and can lead to potential security risks down the road. A reputable site may ask for you email address because they want to send out information regarding sales through email. The difference is that the reputable site will more than likely ask after a transaction is performed.
Protect Yourself
Avoid scams online by questioning the authenticity of any kind of advertisement that seems like it is not legit. Chances are, you are correct.
By using your credit card to purchase online, you are protecting yourself against dangerous scammers. With a credit card, you can dispute fraudulent charges.
Resources: What if I am a Victim?
If you are a victim of scamming, the chances of getting your money back is unlikely. Yet there are things you can do to prevent further damage.
- Contact Your Financial Institution: If you feel you have been the victim of a scam, contacting your financial institution immediately prevents further transactions from going thorough. Credit card companies can perform a charge back which is reversing the charge from a potential scammer.
- Report the Scam: Contact your local Better Business Bureau about the scam. They may already know about it and may be able to give you instructions or further resources
If you are a victim of online scamming, you are not alone. This affects thousands of people everyday. With better preparation and increased awareness, you can avoid becoming another statistic in the battle against online scams.
