CONNECTICUT, USA — With over $240 billion in U.S. online sales expected this holiday season, the Better Business Bureau Serving Connecticut is warning shoppers to be cautious of scams that are rising alongside online shopping trends.
The scammers are using fake advertisements to lure customers with promises of deep discounts or hard-to-find items, especially through social media platforms.
Reports of online shopping scams surged by 125% last year, with nearly 30,000 incidents reported to the BBB in 2023, up from just 13,000 in 2022. Popular items like beauty products, exercise shoes, and viral tumbler mugs have become prime targets for fraudsters. Pet scams, such as fake offers for rare animals like lizards and sugar gliders, are also on the rise, contributing to the growing number of complaints.
"With nearly everyone shopping online, the risk of falling victim to scams is high," said the BBB in a statement.
More than 80% of the reports to BBB in 2023 involved financial losses, and that figure has risen to 87% in 2024.
The BBB warns shoppers to look out for red flags, including items sold at deeply discounted prices, deals that seem too good to be true and sellers who request payment via a payment app.
Other signs of a potential scam include unprofessional websites, unusually long shipping windows and unknown retailers offering popular products.
To protect themselves, the BBB recommends researching sellers before making a purchase, comparing prices with trusted retailers and avoiding direct social media advertisements. Additionally, shoppers are advised to use credit cards for added protection and to take advantage of the BBB’s Scam Tracker to report suspicious activity.
This holiday season, consumers are encouraged to stay alert, especially when buying viral items. Scammers are particularly active during peak shopping days such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
For more holiday shopping tips, the BBB has released a comprehensive guide, including advice on avoiding scams like porch pirates, hot toy frauds, and gift card scams.
Chris Charbonneau is an Assignment Editor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at ccharbonneau@fox61.com.
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