Online Shopping Scams
Online shopping offers convenience but also exposes users to potential scams, such as fraud, and identity theft. Cybercriminals use fake websites, phishing attacks, and other malicious tactics to steal your personal and financial information. To protect yourself, it is essential to stay informed and practice safe online shopping habits.
SAFETY TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS
- Avoid sending deposits when purchasing items from online marketplaces. Scammers often request deposits with no intention of selling you the item.
- Meetup for purchases in safe, public locations. Consider using a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary ‘Safe Exchange Zone’ where there is a high police presence and CCTV surveillance at detachments in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Conception Bay South, Corner Brook, and Labrador City. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you to the exchange. Avoid sharing your home address with a stranger.
- Shop on known, trusted websites. Scammers will often create fake shopping sites to steal your credit card details and personal information. Be vigilant, especially if the deals seem too good to be true.
- Use secure payment methods. Scammers prefer cryptocurrency, wire transfer, and gift cards because these payment methods provide little protection for the buyer.
- Avoid using package tracking links that you receive via email or text. Scammers often use fake links to trick people into clicking and entering personal information.
- Beware of purchaser overpayments where online scammers often pretend to send you more than the price (e.g., with a fake e-transfer confirmation email) and then ask for a refund of the difference.
SAFETY TIPS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
- Provide regular training on how to identify fraudulent websites and scams, ensuring staff are aware of the risks involved in online purchasing.
- Monitor your online store for any suspicious activity or security breaches to reduce the risk of data theft.
Other Online Scams
SAFETY TIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS
- Beware of baiting scams that use an enticing offer or provide a false promise to trigger a person’s curiosity or greed.
- Beware of quid pro quo scams where attackers falsely request sensitive information in exchange for a benefit or service, such as technical support.
- Beware of impersonation scams where attackers pose as a trusted authority figure (e.g., a manager, IT technician, or law enforcement officer) to gain access to restricted information, areas, or resources.
- Beware of romance scams where a person creates a fake online profile (e.g., dating sites) to gain a victim’s trust and affection, then fabricates a story to ask for money, gifts, or other resources. To reduce your risk:
- Verify the person’s authenticity (e.g., by having a video call or meeting in person).
- Avoid sending money to someone you have not met in person.