The holiday shopping season is here, and with it comes an increased risk of online scams. According to the FBI, thousands of people fall victim to holiday scams every year, leading to significant financial losses and stolen personal information. Scammers use tactics like phishing emails, counterfeit websites, and fraudulent deals to prey on unsuspecting shoppers.
Recent reports highlight that scam websites have surged 89% compared to last year, and nearly 80% of shopping offers in emails are fraudulent. Even search engine results can be manipulated to redirect users to malicious sites. To combat this growing threat, the FBI and cybersecurity experts have shared vital tips to help you shop safely.
For more detailed information, visit the FBI’s official Holiday Scams page.
Common Holiday Scams to Watch For
- Non-Delivery Scams
You pay for goods online, but the items never arrive. - Non-Payment Scams
Sellers ship goods but never receive payment. - Auction Fraud
Items are misrepresented on auction sites, leading to overpayment for low-quality or counterfeit goods. - Gift Card Fraud
Scammers request payment via prepaid gift cards, stealing the funds without delivering any products.
The FBI reports that non-payment and non-delivery scams cost victims more than $309 million in 2023, while credit card fraud accounted for an additional $173 million in losses.
FBI’s Seven Tips for Safe Online Shopping
- Verify Website Legitimacy
- Ensure the URL starts with "https://" and displays a padlock icon.
- Avoid websites with misspelled URLs or unusual domains.
- Research Sellers Thoroughly
- Check reviews and ratings before purchasing, especially from new websites.
- Be cautious of sellers with predominantly negative feedback or no ratings.
- Avoid Unusual Payment Methods
- Never wire money directly or use prepaid gift cards for payments.
- Use credit cards for added fraud protection.
- Be Skeptical of Unusual Claims
- Avoid sellers who claim to be overseas for emergencies or offer suspicious deals on high-demand products.
- Monitor Communications
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages offering deals that seem too good to be true.
- Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments.
- Track Your Purchases
- Always get tracking numbers for online purchases.
- Monitor your shipping process to ensure delivery.
- Report Suspicious Activity
- If you encounter a scam, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and your credit card company.
Insights from Cybersecurity Experts
Cybersecurity experts have noted a significant increase in fraudulent websites impersonating well-known brands during the holiday season. Check Point Research highlights an 89% rise in scam domains, many mimicking popular retailers such as:
- Stüssy: stussycanadablackfriday[.]com
- Wayfair: wayfareblackfriday[.]com
- J.Crew: jcrewblackfriday[.]com
A substantial portion of Black Friday-themed emails—three out of four—are scams, designed to defraud consumers or install malware, according to Bitdefender.
For further insights on these cyber threats, check out the Forbes article “FBI Warns Chrome, Safari And Edge Users—Do Not Buy From These Websites” by Zak Doffman.
Quick Checklist for Safe Shopping
- Double-check URLs for accuracy and security.
- Use secure websites with "https://" and a padlock icon.
- Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, like your Social Security number.
- Monitor your credit card activity and report unauthorized charges.
- If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Stay Informed and Shop Smart
By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from online scams this holiday season. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and your financial institution. For more resources, visit the FBI’s Holiday Scams page and the full Forbes article here.
