DATCP: How to avoid holiday shopping scams

WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding consumers to be on alert for common holiday shopping scams.

“During the winter holidays, many Wisconsinites exchange gifts to bring joy and show their appreciation for others,” DATCP stated. “Unfortunately, scammers also know that gift buying and giving is a holiday tradition and will try to take advantage of consumers’ good intentions.”

Package delivery scams

“Have you received a text message about a failed or delayed package delivery? Knowing that many consumers make their holiday purchases online, scammers send these texts and emails hoping you will click on the link they send,” DATCP said. “But opening that link will direct you to a convincing copy of a real delivery company’s website that asks for your personal information or an additional ‘shipping fee.’”

DATCP’s tips: To check the status of a delivery, go directly to the delivery company’s or retailer’s website. Don’t click the links in a text or email.

Online marketplace scams

Online marketplace like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace allows users to buy and sell products directly with each other.

“Whether you are selling or buying, be wary if a user asks you to pay upfront, requests you move your conversation to text messages or another platform or says they need you to send them a security code – which could give them access to your private accounts,” DATCP stated.

DATCP’s tips: Keep conversations on the platform they started on. Never send anyone a security code sent to you, for any reason.

Fake website scams

DATCP said scammers create fake versions of common retailers’ websites, then try to trick consumers into making “purchases” on the fraudulent platform.

“They may use ads, social media posts, or emails and text messages to draw users in,” DATCP explained. “By making a ‘purchase’ on a fake website, you are sending money to a scammer and giving them your payment information, which could lead to further fraudulent charges or even identity theft.”

DATCP’s tips: Never open a link you are sent, even for a familiar site. Instead type the address directly into your browser. Before entering any information, closely examine a website’s address for unusual phrasing or incorrect spelling, and confirm that “HTTPS” (not “HTTP”) is at the beginning of the address before entering personal information like your password or credit card number. The “S” stands for “secure.”

Safe online shopping tips

“No matter how you make your purchases this holiday season, there are precautions any consumer can take to keep their money and identity safe,” DATCP said. “Avoid making purchases over a public Wi-Fi network, since you never know who could be monitoring that data. Use a credit card, since this payment method has built-in fraud protection. Ask your credit card company if they offer additional protections, like ‘virtual card numbers.’”

For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at www.ConsumerProtection.wi.gov or contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.