Online shopping has transformed the way we purchase everything from groceries to gadgets. However, this convenience comes with risks. Cybercriminals have developed sophisticated methods to exploit unsuspecting shoppers, stealing personal information and hard-earned money.
At Heritage Bank NA, we want to help you shop safely online. Understanding common scam tactics and implementing protective measures can help you avoid financial losses and identity theft. Here’s your guide to recognizing red flags and shopping securely.
Recognizing Common Scam Tactics
Phishing Emails and Fake Websites
Scammers often create convincing emails that appear to come from legitimate retailers. These messages typically use urgent language such as “Limited time offer!” or “Your account will be suspended.” The emails direct you to fake websites that look nearly identical to real stores.
Watch for subtle differences in web addresses. Scammers might use “amazom.com” instead of “amazon.com” or add extra words like “amazon-deals.com.” These fraudulent sites capture your login credentials and payment information.
Unrealistically Low Prices
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers lure victims with drastically reduced prices on popular items. A $500 smartphone selling for $50 should raise red flags immediately.
These fake retailers often advertise luxury goods at impossibly low prices. They will take your money but never deliver the product, or they will send cheap knockoffs instead.
Unusual Payment Method Requests
Legitimate businesses accept standard payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, as well as established digital payment services. Be suspicious if a seller asks for payment through:
- Wire transfers
- Cryptocurrency
- Gift cards
- Money orders
- Cash apps to personal accounts
These payment methods offer little to no protection if something goes wrong with your purchase.
Staying Safe While Shopping Online
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Create different passwords for each shopping account. A strong password includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, usually through your phone.
Shop on Secure Websites
Always look for “https://” at the beginning of a website’s URL. The “s” stands for “secure” and indicates that the site encrypts your data. You will also see a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
Stick to well-known retailers or research unfamiliar websites thoroughly. Check customer reviews, look up the company’s physical address, and verify their contact information.
Be Cautious with Unsolicited Emails
Do not click links in emails from unknown senders, even if they claim to be from familiar retailers. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s official website by typing the URL into your browser.
Be especially wary of emails with spelling errors, generic greetings, or urgent language. Legitimate companies rarely use high-pressure tactics in their communications.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
Report the Scam
If you believe you’ve encountered or fallen victim to an online shopping scam, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track scam patterns and potentially catch the perpetrators.
You should also report the incident to your local police department and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Contact Your Financial Institution
Immediately contact Heritage Bank NA if you used one of our cards for a fraudulent purchase. We can help dispute charges and potentially recover your money. The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better your chances of a favorable resolution.
If you shared banking information with scammers, we can help you secure your accounts and prevent further unauthorized access.
Change Your Passwords
If you entered login credentials on a fake website, change your passwords immediately. Start with your most sensitive accounts, including banking, email, and social media. Don’t forget to update passwords for any shopping accounts that might have been compromised.
Shop Smart, Shop Secure
Online shopping doesn’t have to be risky when you know what to watch for. Trust your instincts; if something feels off about a deal or website, walk away. The few minutes you spend verifying a retailer’s legitimacy can save you hours of headaches and potentially thousands of dollars. At Heritage Bank NA, we’re committed to helping our customers navigate the digital world safely. If you have questions about online security or need assistance with a potential scam, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your financial security is our priority.
Helping People Succeed Financially. We see every customer as an individual and treat our customers’ businesses as our own. Our dedicated, experienced staff is there for our customers on every step of their journey.
