Cyber Monday Could Be 'Scam Monday'

Monday, dubbed “Cyber Monday,” might also be “Scam Monday,” federal officials are warning.

“Like all technology, online shopping offers benefits and risks,” U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said. “Online shopping offers convenience and information for comparison shopping, but consumers should do their homework before sharing credit card information online.”

The FBI has seen an upswing in online scams around Cyber Monday, according to MLive. Watch especially for fraud schemes associated with gift cards offered at dramatically reduced prices, “one day only” websites offering sales on high-demand items, and “phishing” emails, text messages and phone calls supposedly from well-known retailers, Detroit FBI Special Agent Paul M. Abbate said.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:

• Buy only from reputable sellers.
• Obtain a physical address and phone number rather than a post office box, and call the seller to see if the number is correct and working.
• Send a test email to the seller to make sure theaddress is active.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau in the seller’s area.
• Inquire about returns and warranties.
• Be wary of overseas sellers, who may not be subject to recourse by U.S. law
• enforcement.
• Don’t judge a company by its website. Impressive-looking websites can be set up quickly.
• Use a credit card for purchases rather than a money order or personal check if your credit card company allows you to dispute charges if something goes wrong.
• Shop around to educate yourself about the price range for the item; if the deal is too good to be true, it probably isn’t legitimate.

If you think you’re the victim of an Internet scam, report it at the federal Intrnet Crime Complaint Center, www.ice3.gov.

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