As the holiday shopping season begins with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the FBI has issued a warning to consumers about the risks of online scams. With the excitement of holiday shopping, it’s easy to overlook potential red flags.
The FBI urges shoppers to verify the legitimacy of online retailers and exercise caution when faced with unsolicited offers. The agency emphasizes that scams are common during this time of year, and consumers should remain vigilant to protect themselves from fraud.
The FBI outlined four major types of scams that frequently target online shoppers during the holidays. Non-delivery scams occur when consumers pay for goods but never receive them. Non-payment scams happen when products are shipped but the consumer never receives payment.
Auction fraud involves misrepresentation of products on auction sites, while gift card fraud occurs when sellers ask buyers to use prepaid cards for payment. These scams can cause significant financial loss and emotional distress.
FBI Warns Holiday Shoppers of Online Scams Amid Black Friday and Cyber Monday Frenzy
A report from the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2023 highlighted the financial toll these scams take on consumers. Non-delivery and non-payment scams alone resulted in over $309 million in losses, while credit card fraud added another $173 million in damages.
The FBI’s warning underscores the magnitude of these issues and stresses the importance of consumer awareness during the high-stakes holiday shopping period.
To protect themselves, the FBI offers several practical tips. Shoppers are advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links, be cautious about unsolicited password change requests, and verify the legitimacy of online sellers.
It’s also recommended to track purchases, use secure payment methods, and ensure that shipping addresses match those of cardholders. These precautions can help reduce the risk of falling victim to scams while shopping online.
The FBI’s final piece of advice is to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers often lure consumers with seemingly incredible offers, and it’s important to approach these deals with skepticism. By following the FBI’s guidance and remaining cautious, consumers can help protect themselves from falling prey to scams and enjoy a safer online shopping experience throughout the holiday season.
