Online purchase scams boom in wake of COVID-19

The BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust recently released the annual BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, produced each year detailing the riskiest scams using data submitted to BBB’s Scam Tracker.

BBB’s 2020 risk report details the rise of scams throughout 2020 and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online scams were the top scam of 2020, proliferating after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Certain products for online purchase were riskier than others, with the top five being: 1) pet and pet supplies; 2) motor vehicles (including parts); 3) medical/nutrition products; 4) clothing/accessories; 5) skincare products.

Typically, scammers utilize online technology to offer attractive deals, but once the payment is made no product or service is delivered. Fraudsters can also pretend to purchase an item only to send a fake check and ask for a refund of the “accidental” overpayment; by the time the victim realizes the check is bad they’ve already sent the funds from their account.

A North Royalton couple was recently duped after the husband purchased a cream from a Facebook ad as a gift for his wife. While the company assured him the cream would be sent at no cost aside from a $5.95 shipping fee, the company actually charged $85.96 upon the first shipment and continued to send more of the product and charge $85.96 each month.

When the couple tried to contact the company for a refund and return, “the number that they were given was a robot prompt call that talked about AT&T, then Direct TV, then to press (one) 1 if you are over 65, then directed you to Medicare. Strangest call I have heard.”

After repeated attempts to contact the company, the couple involved their bank and BBB.

BBB offers these tips for safe online shopping:

Think before you click. Be especially cautious about email solicitations

and online ads on social media sites. Many sketchy retailers advertise great deals or trendy clothing that don’t measure up to the promotional hype.

Be a savvy shopper. Take your time and read the fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy; some items cannot be returned, so know before you buy.

Shop with a credit card. Credit cards provide additional protections; it’s easier to dispute charges that you didn’t approve or to get your money back if there is a problem. Debit cards, prepaid cards, or gift cards don’t have the same protections as a credit card.

Do your research. Some of the best deals are only available online, but be careful. If the site is missing contact information, that is a red flag. Check out retailers at BBB.org before you shop.