The holiday season is a time of excitement for finding great deals and giving gifts, but it also brings an increased risk of online scams. To help protect yourself while shopping online this holiday season, follow these seven tips from AgQuest and MN River Insurance:
- Double-Check URLs: Ensure the websites you visit are legitimate. Look for the secure connection padlock icon in the address bar and confirm the website address starts with “https://”. Avoid accessing sites through QR codes as they may lead to fraudulent websites. Always manually enter the web address to avoid potential redirects to fake sites.
- Read Seller Reviews: Before purchasing, check seller reviews and ratings, especially on new or unfamiliar websites. Look for a large number of completed transactions and generally positive feedback. Be wary of sellers with few reviews or unusually low prices, as they may have fake reviews.
- Watch Out for Deals on Hot Items: Scammers often offer deals that seem too good to be true on highly sought-after items like electronics or toys. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the typical price of the item to avoid falling victim to a scam.
- Beware of Phishing Attempts: Scammers use fake marketing emails this time of year to trick consumers into clicking on malicious links. Always check the sender’s email address for misspellings or unusual domain names. Never click on links in suspicious emails, especially if they come from unknown senders. It’s safer to manually enter the retailer’s website address directly into your browser.
- Don’t Accept Unusual Shipping or Payment Arrangements: Avoid websites that require payment by pre-paid gift cards, wire transfers, or cash-only methods. These are common tactics used by scammers. Use secure payment methods like credit cards, which offer buyer protections and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges. Be cautious of websites offering unusual shipping arrangements.
- Protect Your Data: Be vigilant about protecting your personal and financial information. Don’t enter credit card details on unsecured websites, and avoid sharing sensitive information like your Social Security number or date of birth. If you notice suspicious activity, report it immediately to your bank and consider placing a credit freeze to protect your identity.
- Report Scams Immediately: If you encounter a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission and your bank right away. Freeze your credit, change any compromised passwords, and sever all contact with the scammer. By acting quickly, you can mitigate the damage and protect yourself from further fraud.
By following these tips, you can safeguard yourself from holiday shopping scams and enjoy a secure shopping experience. AgQuest and MN River Insurance are here to support you with their expertise and insurance offerings, ensuring you’re well-protected.