Contributed by: Matt Cooper, Licensed Private Investigator, Former Law Enforcement Detective

As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, the FBI has issued a timely warning about a surge in holiday shopping scams that could tarnish your festive season. Cybercriminals are targeting consumers with sophisticated schemes designed to steal money and personal information. Here’s a deep dive into common scams, protective measures, and additional resources to help you stay safe this holiday season.

Common Holiday Shopping Scams

1. Non-Delivery Scams

In non-delivery scams, you pay for an item online, but it never arrives. These scams often occur on social media marketplaces or poorly regulated websites that promise low prices to lure buyers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that non-delivery scams spike during the holidays when consumers are rushing to secure deals.

Example: A fake website advertises discounted electronics. After purchasing, buyers realize they cannot contact the seller.

Learn more about non-delivery scams:

• The Hill

2. Non-Payment Scams

Non-payment scams affect sellers, especially on auction sites or peer-to-peer platforms. After the seller ships the goods, the buyer disappears without paying. These scams hurt small businesses and individuals selling high-value items like electronics or collectibles.

Example: A seller ships a rare collectible to a buyer who uses fraudulent payment details, leaving the seller uncompensated.

Read about non-payment scams:

• The Hill

3. Auction Fraud

Auction fraud occurs when items on auction websites are misrepresented or never delivered after payment. Scammers may use fake images or descriptions to lure unsuspecting buyers. The Better Business Bureau advises caution when bidding on high-value items during the holidays.

Example: A scammer lists a luxury handbag for auction at an attractive price, but the delivered item is a counterfeit or doesn’t arrive at all.

Explore auction fraud examples:

• The Hill

4. Gift Card Fraud

Gift card scams are increasingly popular during the holiday season. Scammers may request payment via gift cards, claiming it’s the only acceptable method. Once the card details are shared, the scammer drains the balance, leaving the victim with no recourse.

Example: A scammer poses as a retailer offering holiday discounts but insists on gift card payments, which cannot be traced or reversed.

Discover tips to avoid gift card scams:

• The Hill

Protective Measures to Stay Safe

1. Verify Website Legitimacy

Before making a purchase, ensure the website is legitimate. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. These indicators suggest the site uses secure encryption for data.

Pro Tip: Avoid websites with poor grammar, inconsistent design, or offers that seem too good to be true.

More on verifying websites:

• The Sun

2. Research Sellers Thoroughly

Whether shopping on a marketplace or an independent site, research the seller. Look for reviews, ratings, and a history of transactions. Legitimate sellers often have detailed policies regarding returns and refunds.

Pro Tip: Check the seller’s reputation on platforms like Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot.

Learn how to research sellers:

• The Sun

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Opt for credit cards instead of debit cards or gift cards. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection, and many issuers provide chargeback options if you don’t receive your goods.

Pro Tip: Avoid wire transfers or payments through unfamiliar platforms, as they are harder to trace.

More on secure payment methods:

• The Sun

4. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages

Phishing emails and texts often contain links to fake websites or malicious software. Be wary of unsolicited messages that create urgency, such as limited-time offers or account suspension threats.

Pro Tip: Hover over links in emails to verify the URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious, delete the message.

How to spot phishing scams:

• New York Post

5. Monitor Financial Accounts

Regularly review your bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorized charges early. Many banks offer fraud detection alerts that notify you of unusual activity.

Pro Tip: Set up transaction notifications to receive instant updates on your account activity.

Why monitoring matters:

• WPXI

Additional Resources

1. FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
   If you suspect you’ve been scammed, report the incident to the FBI’s IC3. The platform allows victims to file complaints and provides guidance on next steps.
   Visit: www.IC3.gov
2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
   The FTC provides extensive resources on avoiding scams, including how to recognize and report them.
   Visit: www.consumer.ftc.gov
3. Better Business Bureau (BBB)
   The BBB offers tips on identifying trustworthy businesses and avoiding fraudulent operations.
   Visit: www.bbb.org

Final Thoughts

Holiday shopping should be a joyful experience, but scammers are eager to exploit unsuspecting consumers. By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to online scams. Spread awareness among friends and family to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and secure holiday season.

For more cybersecurity tips, visit LCG Discovery Experts. We’re here to help you safeguard your digital presence year-round.

This article references the following sources:

1. Forbes: FBI Warning: Online Holiday Shopping Scams Could Ruin Your 2024 Season
2. The Hill: FBI Warns of Holiday Shopping Scams
3. The Sun: Holiday Sales Scams
4. New York Post: Black Friday Shoppers Targeted
5. WPXI: FBI Pittsburgh Warns Residents