‘Tis the Season to Be Vigilant When It Comes to Online Purchases

You’ve been searching everywhere for a popular squishy stuffed animal that’s sold out or backordered. Then — an ad appears on Facebook or Instagram, offering the exact toy you’ve been desperate to find. Or perhaps you spot it on an auction site at a price too good to be true. Did you just win the holiday shopping lottery?

Probably not.

According to the FBI, scammers ramp up their activity during the holiday season, when shoppers are eager to buy gifts on time and often fall for what appear to be miracle deals. In fact, non-delivery scams cost Americans over $265 million last year, with credit card fraud adding another $129 million in losses, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center 2020 report.

These scams often involve you placing an order online, your card is charged, and the product simply never arrives. Worse, scammers might use your credit card and personal information to commit further fraud or steal your identity.

Bottom Line: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True — It Probably Is

Here are 5 FBI-approved tips to help you stay safe while shopping online this holiday season:

1. Check Company Reviews and Feedback

• Before purchasing from a business for the first time, research them online.
• Check for reviews and visit the Better Business Bureau’s website to see if complaints have been filed.
• On marketplace or auction sites, review the seller’s feedback rating and be cautious of sellers with negative or no ratings.

2. Know Exactly Who You Are Buying From

• Always double-check the URL. Secure sites should start with https:// and display a lock symbol.
• If you don’t see those security indicators, do not enter your information.
• Avoid sellers claiming to be authorized dealers in countries where such deals are unlikely or unofficial.

3. How You Pay Matters

• Always use a credit card for online purchases.
• Check your statements frequently for suspicious activity.
• Set up text or email alerts for credit card usage.
• Never pay with wire transfers or prepaid gift cards — these are the preferred methods for scammers because they’re untraceable.

4. Don’t Click Unknown Links

• Never click suspicious links or attachments in emails, texts, social media, or random websites.
• Be wary of texts claiming to show a receipt for something you didn’t buy — this is often a trick to get you to click.
• Clicking can expose your device to malware or lead you to phishing pages trying to collect your personal info.
• If unsure, delete the message and block the sender.

5. Track Your Packages

• Whenever possible, use sites that offer shipment tracking.
• That way, you’ll know when your items are on the way and avoid falling victim to fake delivery claims.

Protect your money, protect your identity — and shop smart this season 🎁