Holiday shoppers should always be alert to scams

Peak shipping season is here, and con artists are capitalizing on it. In a new scam reported to BBB Scam Tracker, phony e-commerce websites hit shoppers with a bill for “discreet shipping.” This extra fee allegedly pays for special packaging or stamps, but it is a trick to get online shopping scam victims to hand over more money.

How the scam works

You order something online and pay for the product and shipping. However, before the item can be delivered, the vendor contacts you claiming you must pay an extra fee for “discreet shipping.”

What is discreet
shipping?

Well, it depends on the scam and the product purchased. BBB Scam Tracker has received multiple “discreet shipping” reports from consumers who purchased diet pills, vaping products, ammunition, CBD edibles or other similar products. Other times scammers charge a “discreet shipping” fee when a shopper marks their online purchase as a gift. In another twist scammers tell shoppers they must pay for “discreet package stamps” to prevent their packages from passing through customs.

Scammers usually ask for payment through a digital payment app such as Zelle or CashApp. If you use an app to pay, it is unlikely you will be able to recover your funds if the business is a scam.

How to avoid
shipping scams

—Buy from reputable shops. If you purchase something online, research before giving the vendor your full trust. Ensuring a working phone number and address on a professional-looking website is a good place to start.

—Understand how different payment methods work. Each come with different rights and responsibilities. For example, you may be able to contest fraudulent charges on your credit card, but money sent through digital payment apps works more like cash. Once you have sent the funds, they are gone for good. Only use safe payment methods that come with protections when shopping online.

—Check the seller’s reviews and ratings. These exist on various platforms, but authentic, verified reviews can be accessed from a company’s BBB Profile. When reading reviews, look for positive or negative trends and note how the company responds.

—Check for a secure website. Look for the “https://” URL structure in the company’s web address and the padlock symbol in the address bar. These verify a secure connection and encryption of your data.

Toys

Every year there are always a few “must-have” toys on most kids’ holiday wish lists. The hot toys sell out fast and become expensive and hard to find. In 2023 the hot toy lists from CNET and Today.com include Furby, Barbie Dreamhouse, Fingerlings, Bitzee, Lego, Elmo Slide, Dog-E, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mayhem Pizza Fire Delivery Van, Beast Lab and many others.

If you are shopping for a child this holiday season, do not let scammers trick you into accidentally buying a fake or nonexistent version of a popular toy. Watch out for these tricks.

How the scam works

You are looking for this season’s hot toy, but it is sold out at every store you visit. You decide to do a quick online search or spot an ad in your social media feed. This takes you to a website that miraculously has the toy in stock. The site may look professional and have original images of the product. It may even offer the product at discounted prices, claiming a “last-minute deal” or “flash sale.”

Unfortunately, many such offers are fake. In many cases reported to BBB Scam Tracker, buyers thought they were ordering a high-quality toy. Instead, they received a cheap counterfeit version. In other cases the products never shipped, and the websites vanished. In either case, when the dissatisfied customers tried to follow up with the company, they found the staff either did not respond or refused to provide a refund.

Tips to avoid toy scams

—Only buy toys from reputable stores and websites. The best way to avoid scams when purchasing toys is to buy them directly from a seller you know and trust. Avoid making a purchase from a retailer you are not familiar with.

—Do not be fooled by extra low prices. Unreasonably low prices are a red flag for a scam. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

—Research before you buy. If a company seems legitimate but you are not familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information. Before providing your name, address and credit card information, make sure the company has a working customer service number.

See BBB’s online shopping hub at www.BBB.org/OnlineShopping for more online shopping tips. For more tips this holiday season, check out www.BBB.org/Holiday. If you spot a scam, whether or not you have lost money, report it to www.BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help others avoid falling victim.

This material was furnished by the Better Business Bureau. Visit www.BBB.org or call 330-454-9401 to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, read tips, find events and more. Follow on social media for “The 12 Scams of Christmas” to know what to look out for this holiday season.