How to keep your Christmas shopping clear of scamming scrooges | Wallet Warning

Regina Newman
·4 min read
Take safety precautions when shopping online this holiday season.

Tis the season for scammers to attempt to ruin your holiday. So many of us are relying on the Internet for our holiday shopping. Alas, the people on Santa’s Naughty List know this.

Online shopping scams are the #1 riskiest scam for consumers. 40% of all scam reports to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in the last few years have been related to online purchases. People get drawn in from social media posts to fake websites for great deals on “hot” items.

When you click on the Shop Now link on the social media post, you get directed to a fake or look-a-like website. Pay attention to the grammar and spelling on the website. If it is poor, chances are the website is fake. Perhaps the web address (URL) is misspelled to resemble the real website but not quite the same (www.macys.com vs. www.maceys.com). If you aren’t looking for it, you might not catch it. Also, limited contact options such as a fill in form or a “personal” email address instead of one for the business using the business’s web address is another clue that the website might not be legitimate.

Tips for safe online shopping from the BBB

  • Check out the retailer with the BBB, especially if you have never done business with them.

  • Look for “https” (the s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon in the address bar before entering payment or personal information.

  • Beware of fake websites. Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, and search for the site contact information.

  • Stay away from websites with no working customer service number and no physical address.

  • Google the company name for reviews, history and more information.

  • Use a credit card so you’ll have some recourse if something goes wrong. Be wary if you can’t pay with a credit card.

Shipping Scams

As if being worried about being scammed when shopping online isn’t enough, now we have to worry about shipping scams other than those dastardly porch pirates. Shipment tracking information can be faked. With more consumers making purchases online, there is also an increase in the number of notifications sent out about shipping details from retailers and carriers.

Scammers are using this new surge to send phishing emails with links enclosed that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. They may also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees. They are hoping you are too busy or distracted and will act without thinking.

Scammers also use fake “missed delivery” tags. Scammers place a note on your door that claims they are having challenges delivering a package to you. They ask you to call a phone number to reschedule your delivery, but it’s really a ruse to get your personal information.

BBB Tips for Avoiding Delivery Scams

  • Look closely to make sure it is a legitimate business. Avoid clicking on the tracking link; go to the shipper's website and type in the code to see if it is real.

  • Remember: Delivery companies do not request payment or personal information in return for goods already in transit.

  • Take precautions to ensure a safe delivery: If you are having a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, think about purchasing shipping insurance.

  • Always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically on the actual website.

  • Request a Signature: Chances are this feature may come with a price tag, but it may be worth the extra fee.

  • Don’t leave packages sitting on your doorstep. Have them delivered to work, if possible, or to a safe holding spot: Whole Foods and Walgreens will accept Amazon deliveries. FedEx Office will take deliveries from FedEx for you. UPS Store will hold UPS packages.

  • Open your delivery upon receipt to check for damage or signs of tampering.

If you spot a scam, report it to the BBB via their BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Our goal with Wallet Warnings remains the same - to help you safeguard your money. If you have any questions or need any additional information about anything discussed here, please call (901) 222-0206. We are happy to help you avoid scams, fraud and predatory lenders. We hope you have a safe, scam free holiday season!

Regina Morrison Newman is the Shelby County Trustee

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: How to stay away from online shopping and shipping scams this holiday season