Tips To Avoid Online Shopping Scams
With the explosion of online shopping in recent years, consumers might feel overwhelmed just trying to distinguish the great bargains from the dud deals. In all the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to overlook one crucial first step: cybersecurity.
Related: 15 Coronavirus Scams To Avoid at All Costs
Digital fraud has been on the rise, partly driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which made the internet become an even hotter, more crowded spot than it was before. In the first half of 2020 there were 1.1 billion fraud attacks — twice as many than occurred in the six months prior. Hackers have stolen stimulus checks, unemployment benefits and tricked people into making donations to fake charities. In total, Americans have already lost $145 million to fraud related to the pandemic, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
With e-commerce surging as social distancing measures and partial lockdowns continue, cybercriminals are ready to pounce on easy targets. To help avoid falling prey to bad actors, Howard Dvorkin, chairman of Debt.com, recommends that consumers take the following measures while shopping online:
Steer clear of deals that are too good to be true: If a deal is so dazzling it has you questioning its authenticity, it’s probably fake. This is especially so when searching using keywords such as “season’s hottest gifts.”
Be on the lookout for lookalike websites: Pay attention to the URL of the site you’re on and make sure it’s legitimately tied to the business it seems to be. Check that the business name is spelled correctly and that valid customer service contact information is available.
Be wary of phishing scams: If you receive unsolicited texts or emails prompting you to click a link to check on delivery status or claim a prize, do not click. It could be part of a phishing scam. If the message isn’t unsolicited, hover your mouse over the link to see the true URL and ensure that it’s linked to a legitimate business.
Update antivirus software: If you’ve let your antivirus software lapse, now is the time to update it. Though not bulletproof, antivirus software enhances your protection against malware downloaded by phishing scams, pop-ups and unsafe websites.
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Last updated: May 12, 2021
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Tips To Avoid Online Shopping Scams
