For years, scammers have used a small device on ATMs, gas pumps, and other terminals, to harvest credit card information. Now, they use a technique called “e-skimming” to steal credit card data from online shoppers instead.
Some restaurants have set up their own websites to avoid the fees and challenges that come with food delivery. Watch out for fake food ordering websites that scam consumers out of their money and personal information.
Auctions can be a good way to buy an expensive item at a significant discount. Even if an auction appears legitimate, potential bidders should be wary. BBB Scam Tracker has received several reports of fake auctions phishing for consumers’ personal information and money.
If you are looking to buy a shipping container, watch out for the so-called “Sea Can Scam.” This crafty con uses real business addresses trick people into paying for a shipping container that doesn’t exist.
Many shoppers turn to online seller platforms to find unique, handmade gifts for their friends and family. The seller advises you to make your purchase from an independent website, but if you follow a link to a website outside the original sales platform and make a purchase, you'll likely be disappointed.
Bed Bath & Beyond declared bankruptcy and closed its physical stores in recent months. Scammers are taking advantage of the big changes by targeting unsuspecting consumers with fake "going out of business" sales. Here's what you need to know to spot the scam.
Scammers claim a product you purchased is out of stock, but they never process your promised refund. The truth is the product never existed in the first place, and scammers hope you'll never notice you didn't get your refund.
When brightly colored signs shout “Going Out of Business Sale,” “Total Liquidation,” or “Everything Must Go!” you might think you are about to get the deal of a lifetime. But you should shop cautiously for several reasons to avoid common pitfalls and get the best deals.
Online shopping fraud is not slowing down anytime soon. A recent BBB study has found that global supply chain crises, along with inflation, have opened the door for scammers to steal from desperate online shoppers.
Online shopping isn't slowing down anytime soon, and consumer should be extra alert to scams. More people reported gift card fraud to the BBB Scam Tracker this year, with a 50% increase compared to last year. Online shoppers were hit the hardest.
Counterfeit coupons are a popular way for scammers to steal your identity and money. Phony coupons often mean serious losses for retailers, consumers, or both. Learn how to avoid coupon scams.
Social media advertising is an effective way for small businesses to get the word out about their products. Unfortunately, the same goes for scams. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.
Second-hand shopping used to mean scouring your local thrift stores. But online options have made finding vintage clothes and accessories easier than ever. However, BBB Scam Tracker shoppers who thought they bought legitimate vintage goods only to receive knock offs, or nothing at all.
Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to find deals on items for sale in your neighborhood. But like any online classified site, watch out for warning signs before handing over money.
BBB is warning social media users that sharing a certain kind of attention-grabbing post might put their friends at risk of falling victim to a scam. Scammers are changing original posts to deceptive ads that link to sketchy websites.
BBB Scam Tracker has received reports of an online shopping scam on TikTok. It starts with a disgruntled employee supposedly seeking revenge and ends with victims ordering hundreds of dollars in phony merchandise.
A personalized item might seem like the perfect present; however, last-minute shoppers should look out for misleading ads on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok promoting customized gifts.
With used car prices skyrocketing recently, consumers are turning to the internet to find a deal. BBB is warning consumers to hit the brakes on these types of transactions due to multiple reports about cons involving used cars advertised for sale on social media.
Some consumers have received unsolicited text messages stating that a major delivery carrier needs them to "update delivery preferences" on a package by clicking a link. This text is a scam and the link results in the theft of personal information.
Scammers are exploiting peer-to-peer payment policies by delivering incorrect items and using stolen tracking numbers. Learn how to protect yourself from this version of package delivery scams.
Phony e-commerce websites hit shoppers with a bill for "discreet shipping." This extra fee is a trick to get online shopping scam victims to hand over more money.
If you are decluttering your home by selling unwanted items online, be on the lookout for buyers wanting to pay you more than the listed price. If the offer seems “just too good to be true,” it probably is.
Selling items on an online marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be an easy way to make extra money and get rid of things you don’t need. However, scammers are using a clever trick to target sellers and set up a phone number in their name.
Watch out when selling big-ticket items on Facebook Marketplace. Scammers have a new trick up their sleeves! According to BBB Scam Tracker reports, be wary of phony buyers who “need” you to upgrade your Zelle or another digital wallet app to accept money from them.
