Social Media Shopping Scams: How To Stay Safe
Shopping through social media ads can be convenient and fun, but not all offers are as trustworthy as they appear. Scammers are taking advantage of the popularity of social media shopping by setting up fake ads that lead to fraudulent websites. These scams often result in lost money, stolen personal information and frustration. Knowing how these scams operate and spotting the warning signs can help you protect your finances and personal information.
Common Types of Social Media Shopping Scams
- Fake Ads for Popular Products: Scammers create ads showcasing trendy or hard-to-find items at low prices. These ads grab your attention with professional images and enticing descriptions. However, once you make a purchase, the product never arrives.
- Fraudulent Websites: Clicking on fake ads often leads to fraudulent websites that mimic reputable stores. These sites collect your payment details without delivering goods. Watch for URLs with misspellings, unusual extensions (e.g., ".shop" instead of ".com"), or addresses that don't start with "https://."
- Phishing for Personal Information: Some fake stores request unnecessary personal details, such as your Social Security number or birth date. Scammers can use this information for identity theft, putting you at risk of more than just losing money.
How to Protect Yourself
- Research Before You Buy: Look up the company name and read reviews from other shoppers. Be cautious if the company is new or has little information available.
- Check the Website's Security: Make sure the website's URL starts with "https://" and displays a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates the site is secure.
- Avoid Sharing Extra Information: If a website asks for personal details unrelated to your purchase, such as your Social Security number, do not provide them.
- Be Wary of Ads from Unknown Accounts: Stick to well-known brands or verified sellers when shopping through social media platforms.
Social media shopping can be a convenient and enjoyable way to discover new products, but staying vigilant is key. By taking a little extra time to verify sellers and safeguard your information, you can shop confidently and steer clear of scams.
If you think you might have inadvertently shared your personal information with a scammer, please contact us as soon as possible. You can call us at (805) 733-7600, or visit our Fraud Protection page and complete the form.