Mark Gilbert ATN: How to Detect an Online Shopping Scam

Online shopping has become increasingly popular, offering shoppers convenience and a wide variety of products. However, the internet is also home to scams, and online shoppers need to be cautious. Mark Gilbert ATN shares three ways to spot an online shopping scam and protect yourself from fraud:

1. Too good to be true offers

If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims with prices significantly lower than the market average. For instance, a brand-new iPhone for $100 or
designer handbags at a fraction of their usual cost should raise red flags. Before making a purchase, Mark Gilbert ATN advises consumers to compare prices with other reputable retailers to ensure they are in the same ballpark. Be particularly cautious of unbelievable deals, as they are often a scammer's bait.

2. Unsecure websites

Secure websites use "https://" in their URLs and a padlock symbol in the address
bar. Scammers often create fake websites that lack these security indicators. If you're on an online store that does not have "https://" in the URL or the padlock symbol, it's best to exit the site immediately. Mark Gilbert ATN says these are telltale signs of an unsecured website that could compromise your personal and financial information.

3. No contact information or customer service

Legitimate online retailers have customer service information readily available on their websites. Be cautious if you can't find a customer service phone number or email address or if the contact details seem suspicious (e.g., a free email address like Gmail or Yahoo). Scammers prefer to remain anonymous, making it difficult for victims to reach out. Before making a purchase, Mark Gilbert ATN says to test the customer service contact information to confirm that it is genuine and responsive.

Additionally, take the time to research the online store before making a purchase. Look for customer reviews, ratings, and complaints. Legitimate businesses often have a presence on social media and other review platforms where customers share their experiences. If you need help finding information about the store or if the reviews seem too positive and unnatural, it's a sign that you may be dealing with a scam.

Mark Gilbert ATN
shares expert insights on the e-commerce and automobile industries. Follow this blog to know more.