It’s National Consumer Protection Week and the Better Business Bureau is on the frontlines in the fight against fraud.  Each year scammers get more sophisticated in the variety of ways they use to fool consumers. From the BBB, here are two more schemes to avoid:  Copycat Website Scam: You get an email, text message or social media post about a terrific sale or exciting new product. You click through and it looks just like a popular retailer’s site. But when you order, you either get a cheap counterfeit or nothing at all… and now they have your credit card number!

How to Avoid the Scam:

  • Know the Website.  Before ordering any merchandise, check the URL link to make sure it starts with “https://” (the ‘s’ means it is secure). Make sure to confirm the address and phone number of the online business in case there are any issues contacting them.
  • Check the Return Policy.  Read the return policy to see if the business allows a full refund if the customer is not happy with the product. Review the policy to see who pays for the cost of shipping and handling for the return.
  • Choose the Correct Payment Method.  Always pay with a credit card when shopping online. A purchase with a credit card is protected under the Fair Credit Billing Act. This allows customers to briefly hold payment while a problem is reviewed and resolved. This act also protects customers in the event that credit card information is stolen or used without permission. Make sure to print the receipts and product information of any online purchases to prevent incorrect charges.

 Are You Calling Yourself?” Scam: Scammers can make a call look like it’s coming from anywhere. The latest trick puts your number in the Caller ID, which piques your curiosity and gets you to pick up the phone or return the call… and then they’ve snagged you in whatever scam they are running.

How to Avoid the Scam:

  • Hang up. Don't press any buttons and, if you received a voicemail message, don't call the scammer back. We all like to have the last word, but returning the phone call may just give the con artist information he can use.
  • Don't trust CallerID. Scammers have technology that lets them display any number or organization name on your screen.
  • Never give out any financial information. If you did not initiate the call, do not provide bank account, credit card or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you have thoroughly done your research and verified the caller.

For more tips and scam alerts, check out BBB on Facebook and Twitter.

 

Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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