Cyber Monday is one of the best times of year to score great deals online—but it’s also prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of eager shoppers. Before you click “buy,” take a moment to watch out for these common scams that could cost you more than you bargain for.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often post fake ads with prices that seem unbelievably low to lure shoppers in. You might pay for a product that never arrives, or you could unknowingly hand over your payment details to a fraudulent site.
Always shop from trusted retailers and double-check URLs for small spelling differences or suspicious domains.
Be cautious of online sweepstakes or giveaways that ask for your personal information, especially on unfamiliar websites or social media pages.
Scammers use fake contests as “bait” to trick you into sharing details like your name, address, or credit card number. Before entering any sweepstakes, verify the company’s authenticity and read the fine print carefully.
A common trick during the holiday shopping season is the “delivery problem” scam. You might receive an email or text claiming there’s an issue with your package and asking you to click a link to fix it. Don’t take the bait!
These messages often lead to phishing sites designed to steal your login or payment information. Instead, check your order status directly through the retailer’s official website.
When shopping online, use a credit card instead of a wire transfer, debit card, or peer-to-peer payment app. Credit cards offer the most protection if a purchase doesn’t arrive or isn’t what you expected.
If a seller insists on a wire transfer or other untraceable payment method, consider it a red flag and walk away.
Cyber Monday can be a great opportunity to save, but remember, safety comes first. By staying alert and taking a few extra precautions, you can enjoy all the online deals without falling victim to fraud.
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