Buyers beware: Tips for avoiding Cyber Monday scammers
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Cyber Monday approaches, experts are forecasting record-breaking online sales, with estimates reaching a staggering $240 billion just this holiday season. While the deals may seem enticing, consumers are being urged to stay vigilant against a growing wave of scammers looking to take advantage of the busy shopping season. "There are going to be a lot of deals, pay with this, pay with that," said Barry Moore, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). "That's where you're going to get hurt." Moore highlighted that the holiday season is a prime time for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting shoppers. He warned that these scammers are not just small-time fraudsters, but sophisticated criminals who profit from exploiting online shoppers and will likely never be caught. "These are not nice people," Moore said. "They're full-blown criminals making a lot of money, hurting you, hurting your family." Scammers often prey on the high volume of online shopping, setting up fake websites that offer deals that seem too good to be true. Moore advised shoppers to be on the lookout for several warning signs, such as deeply discounted items — if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. This is especially true for those more popular items that a lot of people are trying to get their hands on. Scammers know you are trying to get everything you need before they sell out, and before the season ends. "When you find that gift you've been looking for forever, and it's a quarter of the price... run, don’t walk away," Moore warned. Moore said scammers target all kinds of people, regardless of characteristics like age and income. According to the BBB, scam reports rose over 125% last year. Fake websites are often designed to mimic well-known brands, making it even harder for shoppers to spot the deception. One common red flag is the presence of spelling errors in the website’s URL or product descriptions. Moore also cautioned shoppers about the risks of paying through third-party sites or unfamiliar payment methods, which are often associated with scams. He says you should always try to pay with a credit card. "It doesn't mean that you have to run from everything, just take your time, look at the vendor, maybe buy direct," he advised. Paid advertisements on social media platforms are another area where scammers thrive, as they frequently use these ads to promote fraudulent deals at the top of the list. As Cyber Monday draws near, the Better Business Bureau urges consumers to stay informed and take extra precautions before hitting the checkout button.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- As Cyber Monday approaches, experts are forecasting record-breaking online sales, with estimates reaching a staggering $240 billion just this holiday season.
While the deals may seem enticing, consumers are being urged to stay vigilant against a growing wave of scammers looking to take advantage of the busy shopping season.
"There are going to be a lot of deals, pay with this, pay with that," said Barry Moore, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). "That's where you're going to get hurt."
Moore highlighted that the holiday season is a prime time for cybercriminals to target unsuspecting shoppers. He warned that these scammers are not just small-time fraudsters, but sophisticated criminals who profit from exploiting online shoppers and will likely never be caught.
"These are not nice people," Moore said. "They're full-blown criminals making a lot of money, hurting you, hurting your family."
Scammers often prey on the high volume of online shopping, setting up fake websites that offer deals that seem too good to be true. Moore advised shoppers to be on the lookout for several warning signs, such as deeply discounted items — if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.
This is especially true for those more popular items that a lot of people are trying to get their hands on. Scammers know you are trying to get everything you need before they sell out, and before the season ends.
"When you find that gift you've been looking for forever, and it's a quarter of the price... run, don’t walk away," Moore warned.
Moore said scammers target all kinds of people, regardless of characteristics like age and income. According to the BBB, scam reports rose over 125% last year.
Fake websites are often designed to mimic well-known brands, making it even harder for shoppers to spot the deception. One common red flag is the presence of spelling errors in the website’s URL or product descriptions.
Moore also cautioned shoppers about the risks of paying through third-party sites or unfamiliar payment methods, which are often associated with scams. He says you should always try to pay with a credit card.
"It doesn't mean that you have to run from everything, just take your time, look at the vendor, maybe buy direct," he advised.
Paid advertisements on social media platforms are another area where scammers thrive, as they frequently use these ads to promote fraudulent deals at the top of the list.
As Cyber Monday draws near, the Better Business Bureau urges consumers to stay informed and take extra precautions before hitting the checkout button.
