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By Chris Brown

Scam-spotting tips

Shop safe and smart this season

Nov 25, 2020 | 12:53 PM

The Better Business Bureau has partnered with Facebook to provide tips on spotting scams during what’s expected to be a busier-than-normal online shopping season.

Shawna-kay Thomas, communications specialist of the BBB Serving Southern Alberta and East Kootenay, says online purchase scams have been among the three riskiest scams for the last three years, according to its latest research.

“So far in 2020, online purchase scams make up more than two-thirds of the reports we receive from consumers through BBB Scam Tracker. Facebook’s partnership means we will be able to reach many more consumers with important information about how to stay safe online,” she said.

Rob Leathern, Facebook’s head of business integrity product management, adds that keeping people safe on the platform is core to its mission and that the program will ensure this topic is top of mind for people this season.

People will notice “Shop Safe, Shop Smart” ads on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms from now until the end of December.

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BBB and Facebook recommend the following tips for shopping online:

• Research before you buy. According to BBB’s recent Online Purchase Scams Report, out of the 57 per cent of those survey participants who did not research the website or business via an independent source like BBB.org before making a purchase, 81 per cent lost money.
• If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. The top motivating factor for people who made a purchase and lost money was price, according to BBB research. Don’t shop on price alone.
• Beware of fake websites: Check the URL, watch for bad grammar, research the age of the domain, search for contact information, and read online reviews.
• Professional photos do not mean it’s a real offer. BBB survey respondents reported that website photos motivated them to engage with scammers, especially for pets/pet supplies, clothing/accessories, and vehicles. Be sure to check the product description and inquire for detailed information to ensure that what you see is what you’ll get.
• Make sure the website is secure. Look for the “https” in the URL (the extra s is for “secure”) and a small lock icon on the address bar. Never enter payment or personal information into a website with only “http” – it is NOT secure.
• Be careful purchasing sought-after products, especially during the holiday season. Be wary if a retailer claims to have loads of that trendy product that cannot be found anywhere else. Scammers often use the most popular products for the season at great prices to reel in consumers.
• Look for the BBB seal. BBB Accredited Businesses pledge to uphold the BBB Standards for Trust and to deal fairly with consumers. If a business displays a BBB seal, verify it by going to BBB.org.
• Use secure and traceable transactions and payment methods. According to BBB’s research, those who paid with a credit card were less likely to lose money. Be cautious when paying by cash transfer apps, prepaid money cards, or other non-traditional payment methods.
• Shipment tracking information can be faked. Look closely to make sure the tracking information comes from a legitimate shipping company. If the information seems fishy, avoid clicking on the tracking link; go to the shipper’s website and type in the code to see if it is real.
• Report unsatisfactory purchase experiences to BBB. If you are unhappy with a purchase, file a complaint at BBB.org/complain. If you never got what you paid for, consider reporting it to BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker) to help other consumers avoid being scammed.