Don’t fall for the latest online shopping scam

By : The Competition Bureau Canada

Canadians are relying on online shopping more than ever. However, this puts us at greater risk of being targeted by fraudsters.

Even if you’ve shopped online for years, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest tricks as scammers’ techniques evolve.

In recent years, they’ve gone from asking for wire transfers, banking details, and searching out your credit card number to going after gift cards, cryptocurrency and access to your online bank accounts.

Here are some key tips to protect yourself when shopping online:

• Do your research and comparison shop so you have a sense of realistic pricing
• Read the terms and conditions, as well as refund and return policies
• Use your Internet browser’s ad blocker to hide sponsored ads and pop-ups
• Request a full refund if your order is unavailable or can’t be fulfilled at the advertised price
• Keep any records of email confirmations and customer service conversations
• Review your credit card and bank statements frequently and carefully for recurring or unknown charges
• Remember that if the price is too good to be true, it probably is
• Take online reviews with a grain of salt, and consult multiple sources for feedback

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contacted by a scammer or misled by an online ad or marketing tactic, report it to the Competition Bureau or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Resources

• Learn how to stay safe online
• Little black book of scams
• Fraud Prevention Month