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Cyber Monday, one of the most popular shopping days of the year, is approaching on November 27, 2023. On the Monday following Black Friday, retailers promote online deals that consumers love. With this day approaching, it’s essential to do your part and remain vigilant against online shopping scams, especially those targeting popular brands by creating lookalike websites and installment-pay scams. A recent incident reported to the BBB of Greater Maryland highlights the dangers of falling victim to fake websites posing as reputable companies.
A recent victim was searching for a specific rug she couldn’t find at another store and turned to another home decor business she was familiar with. When Googling the business website, the victim landed on a look-a-like website. She did not notice the subtle differences between the URL of this site and the original. She purchased the rug she’d been searching for and was excited to finally receive her rug in the mail. Shortly after the purchase, her credit card company flagged the charge as unusual activity. Not to mention, the website displayed an advertised price of $88.99, but the PayPal email detailed that 11 daily payments of $88.99 would be withdrawn from her account starting on 10/23/2023. Turns out, the website was unauthorized with a spoofed address in Baltimore, MD. The victim took swift action with PayPal (a BBB Accredited Business) to prevent recurring payments and reported this scam to BBB of Greater Maryland.
BBB Pro tip: Learn how to identify a fake website
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday coming up, it’s important to stay vigilant against scams like this one during the holiday season. To protect yourself and shop confidently, consider the following tips:
- Beware of fake ads and suspicious websites offering unrealistically low prices.
- Stay vigilant against phishing scams, ignoring unsolicited messages or calls.
- Look for the BBB Seal—The Sign of a Better Business. Make confident Cyber Monday choices by selecting businesses prioritizing trust and ethics, ensuring a holiday season free from scams and wise purchase decisions.
- In case of a scam, turn to the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for assistance, providing resources to report scams, seek guidance and contribute to spreading awareness about prevalent scams affecting the community.
- Check out BBB’s tips on online shopping and Cyber Monday. If you’ve spotted an online scam, report it to the BBB ScamTracker.
