Top 6 Tips to Avoid Getting Duped By Online Scams This Christmas

With one hundred and twenty-six million households shopping online this Christmas, Mrs. Claus and PackageFromSanta.com want to arm parents with cyber-shopping tips to help consumers discern scammers from trusted retailers.

Before making any online purchases on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or any time of year, employ these safety tactics to steer clear of crooked retailers:

Top 6 Online Safe Shopping Tips:

1) Check the Better Business Bureau rating.

Every time, before making an online purchase, log onto the BBB website and type in the URL of the company. This rating is based on thirteen very important factors to consider when buying from an online retailer. Look for an A+ rating! The proof is in the (figgy) pudding!  

2)  Shop from the real McCoy.

Unscrupulous people try to pose as reputable companies using the old bait and switch trick. First, go to the source site and make sure the website address (URL) is exactly accurate. Scammers will add one letter to the URL or create a similar name so you don’t notice the difference. Note that unsecured websites will be missing the lock symbol to the left of the website address and the URL will not include an “s” after “http” in the web address. Be wary of affiliate marketing programs and fake emails that “fish” for information or lead you to a fraudulent website.

3) Use a credit (not debit) card.  

Use a credit card, not a debit card, for online purchases. Why? In the event of a scam, with a credit card, the card issuer must fight to get its money back. With a debit card, you must fight to get your money back.

4) Verify that the company is still in business.

It’s hard for some holiday-oriented businesses to stay afloat year ‘round, so please make sure the business is still up and running before making an online order. Call the customer service line on the website and send an email to see if you get a response.

5) Visit the company’s Facebook page.

Spend a few minutes perusing the Facebook page. See what customers have to say. Read the reviews. Look at how recent the page posts are and if the company responds to customer comments. Send a message to them to see if they respond. A conscientious hands-on company will be very active on their Facebook page.

6) Shop early.

When you are rushing around, desperate to get that perfect gift ASAP, the pressure can prevent you from noticing tell-tale signs of shopping shenanigans. Start shopping before the rush. Take your time. Do the research. Plus the process will be more enJOYable!  Isn’t that the point of it all?

There are many reputable, trustworthy online retailers that have created a safe shopping experience for customers. Bottom line? Do your vetting homework before clicking “Buy Now” to make sure you purchase from proven businesses that are on Santa’s Nice List.

MAGICAL GIFT IDEA:

Still looking for that one gift that will light up your child’s face and be something they will remember forever? That’s the magic in the bottle that PackageFromSanta.com (PFS) owners, Dale and Carey Gruber, have faithfully delivered to children for more than a decade. PackageFromSanta.com is a fully-secure website offering a one-of-a kind fully-personalized gift experience from Santa Claus. Do you have a question? Call the PFS customer service department at (866) 894-4789. Yes, they have real people (Christmas Elves make fabulous CS reps) during business hours ready to help!

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