In today’s world, shopping online is second nature for most people. Not only is it convenient, but it also provides access to the largest selection at the best possible price.
Unfortunately, when you shop online, you’ll always have concerns about credit card fraud. Even though there are scammers out there hoping to take advantage of you, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect yourself. It all starts with understanding the most common scams:
- Fake website: It sounds hard to believe, but some criminals set up fake shopping websites with the sole idea of stealing credit card information from unsuspecting consumers. If you don’t have 100% confidence that an online store is legit, it’s best to move on.
- Phishing scam: This often comes in the form of an email, with a scammer making the message appear as if it’s coming from your credit card issuer or bank. When you click the link to learn more and share your information, the criminal now has everything they need to access your account.
- Ad scams: These scams are growing in popularity thanks to the billions of people who regularly use social media platforms. For example, a scammer may post a convincing Facebook Ad for a product or service that doesn’t exist. After you pay, the “seller” disappears forever.
With so many benefits of shopping online, there’s a good chance this is a big part of your life. When doing so, take steps to protect yourself and your financial information, such as your credit card account.
If you’re the victim of consumer fraud, learn more about what happened and any steps you can take to receive compensation.
