(This article comes courtesy of MissouriNet.)
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a rise in fake websites.
Khesha Duncan with the BBB’s office in Columbia tells Missourinet that Halloween kicks off a season full of scams.
“And it’s much easier for scammers to try and take advantage of consumers during a very seasonal very short period of time,” said Duncan. “So, it’s easy for them to set up a fake website to sell costumes that they may or may not actually sell, or that may or may not even exist.”
Duncan said scammers have several tricks that entice clicks.
“They may say they have overstock clearance or super reduced prices, and those too good to be true opportunities, and they want you to of course enter your payment information,” said Duncan. “You know, if you fall for it and hit ‘buy’ you may or may not ever get something in the mail. You may never see that costume.”
Duncan told Missourinet that checking for a real address and phone number can help you avoid getting scammed.
“Because you don’t have anybody you can connect with or talk to,” said Duncan. “And that’s another reason why it’s so good to look up those reviews. We also encourage people to use a website checker like Google Safe Browsing tool.”
Duncan said a quick Google search—adding the word ‘scam’ or ‘complaint’ after the company name—can help you spot red flags before you buy.
