As Cyber Monday becomes one of the top shopping days of the year, the Better Business Bureau serving Wisconsin offers the following consumer tips to avoid online shopping scams:
- Beware of false advertising and phony websites. Watch out for lookalike websites that are created by a scammer. Make sure websites use the correct spelling of a business name and have legitimate contact information and customer service numbers;
- Shop with trustworthy sellers on secure sites only. Check with the BBB to find ratings and company information. Additionally, make sure any web page you purchase has a secure web address beginning with “HTTPS”;
- Keep your antivirus software up to date;
- Price check before you buy. Do your homework by comparing prices and remember the best deal may not be the real deal;
- Use your credit card. It’s always best to make online purchases with a credit card rather than a debit card that doesn’t offer much purchase protection;
- Understand return policies; and
- Watch out for phishing scams.
