Avoid scams when buying vintage decor items online

“Secondhand shopping” used to mean scouring your local antique or thrift stores in person, but online options have made finding antique furniture and vintage goods easier than ever.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following tips to protect yourself from antique or vintage shopping scams:

Avoid impulse buying,

especially on social media. Keep in mind that scammers know how to target consumers based on their buying history. Even if an item seems perfect, try not to make an emotional decision to purchase.

Scammers will try to make you feel like the item you are considering, especially vintage items, will get snapped up by someone else.

Always take the time to research the item and the seller before you click “buy.”

Scrutinize the website

before you purchase. Check BBBHouston.org and find the company’s BBB rating and BBB Accreditation status. Carefully review consumer reviews outside of the company’s website. Check BBB Scam Tracker for any mentions of a possible scam.

Do an internet search of the company along with the word “scam.” If others have had a poor experience or been scammed by the company, don’t do business with them.

Check for valid contact information

.Ifa business doesn’t have a phone number, consider it a red flag.

Keep in mind that scammers may use Google Voice numbers or use a Gmail or Yahoo business email address to appear legitimate.

Trustworthy businesses should have a working phone number and preferably, a physical address that checks out, too.

Pay with your credit card.

Credit cards may offer more protection for buyers than other payment methods.

Keep good records.

Write down where you ordered the items and take a screenshot of the website and the item listing in case it disappears later.

This will make disputing the charges easier, if it becomes necessary.