How to Avoid the Biggest Online Shopping Scams

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Online shopping can be incredibly convenient. Not only do you get to avoid the lines, you may also find some incredible deals quickly rather than schelpping around town.

As more of us shop more online, though, scammers are taking advantage of this trend and trying to get our financial and personal data.

Online Shopping Scams to Watch Out For

Jason Feller from Dealspotr recently wrote an article that caught my attention – Staying Safe While Shopping Online.

He was kind enough to join me on the podcast to share how you can protect youself from the biggest online shopping scams.

Please check out the episode or use this list below.

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Big Online Shopping Scams

Be skeptical of emails. One really dangerous scam is when you get an email from what seems to be your bank or credit card company.

Many of them have gotten so sophisticated that it's hard to tell a real site from a fake one. If you're unsure, call your bank or credit card through a verified number or visit their site directly (don't click on the link!) to see if there is a real issue with your account.

Beware of crazy deals. While so many people searching deals on hot items, scammer are flooding the web with fake ads/coupons.

Want to win a free iPad or iPhone? Before you click, check as the vast majority them are fake.

Don't fall for the gift card bonaza. This is related to the crazy deal, but instead of prizes it's for gift cards.

You may be offered with a huge discount on them or you're told that you won $100 or something.

Either way, scammers then ask your financial information so they can send it to you. Don't give it.

Legitimate companies will not ask you for this, so delete the email or mark it as spam.

Never wire money. Hard to believe, but this scam is still around becuase people still fal for it.

Going mobile? Use verified apps. As more of us are shopping through our phones, it becomes even more important to protect our data.

If you're shopping online you may prefer to use a verified mobile app to make purchases.

Know who you're texting. This a new one to me, but basically hackers text to get you to allow them access to your accounts.

Say they have your email address and your number. They can submit a password reset. Then Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, whatever texts you the verification code.

They then pretend to be the email provider and then text you to gve them your verification code.

I know some of these seem obvious, but with many couples busier than ever it can only take only slip-up to get scammed.

Please protect yourself and others. Share this post with a friend or bookmark for later use.

Thoughts on Shopping Online

With a careful eye, shopping online can be a fe way to score the best deals. If you have any more tips or ideas, please share them below.