BUYING gifts for the holidays online is an alternative for those who cannot face busy stores and long lines at the checkout.
But, the season is often targeted by unscrupulous scammers who want to take advantage of consumers.
Scammers look to take advantage of consumers especially at the holidays (stock)Getty
Data from the Better Business Bureau revealed scams were up by a whopping 125% last year.
Experts have since shared a tip to help shoppers stay safe when buying for their loved ones.
Business columnist David Lazarus urged internet users to check their web address before entering card details.
“Look at the little URL at the top where it says ‘http,’” he told The CW affiliate KTLA.
“What you want to see is ‘https,’ meaning you’ve got a secure connection and there’s not going to be anyone looking over your shoulder as you’re making the transaction.”
If the letter ‘s’ appears, it means the website has been secured using a Secure Sockets Layer.
This tool prevents hackers from stealing data.
Sometimes, websites may have a padlock, which also provides reassurance for customers.
This again means that a website is considered secure.
Internet shoppers should also check URLs to make sure there are no spelling mistakes.
Even the smallest typo could direct a user to a scam.
Experts at the Better Business Bureau have stressed the URL is the first place to start.
“If something goes wrong, you want to know you can contact customer service,” Pamela Hernandez, the BBB’s Springfield regional director, told the NBC affiliate KSNF.
Checking the URL is just one tip that has been given to shoppers.
Bank tips for avoiding scams
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam:
Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Source: Chase.com
Experts have stressed the importance of not allowing scammers to take advantage.
“We’re all in a rush, and we’re all trying to make decisions quickly, and our guard is down, and there’s no better time to keep your guard up,” Andrew Goode told WHTM.
“The scammers know your guard will be down, and they’re gonna take advantage of another good tip.”
BBB officials have urged shoppers to be aware of viral social media ads and research the retailer before entering credit card details.
The agency warned that con artists know how to make a fake website look realistic.
Agencies have also warned about the impact of gift card scams.
Latonya Jackson revealed she bought some gift cards ahead of last year’s Thanksgiving, but they seemed to have been tampered with.
She handed out the gift cards to locals in the community but received phone calls from them saying there was no money on them, as reported by the NBC affiliate KNBC.
“It was very horrible and it was very embarrassing too,” she said.
GettyExperts have revealed how users of shopping websites can stay safe[/caption]
https://www.the-sun.com/money/12941258/holiday-scams-url-websites-fraud-risk/