(WENY) -- As the holiday season ramps up, experts are sharing tips to help shoppers stay safe while making their purchases. With over $270 billion spent during the holidays last year, and one-third of shoppers buying gifts online, staying more vigilant than ever.
"We're trying to encourage here at the Department of State, through our Division of Consumer Protection, that there are some really encouraging tips that New Yorkers and those who are going to be shopping online virtually that will help them protect themselves from scammers," says New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley.
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When shopping online, it's essential to make sure the website is secure before entering personal or payment information.
"Before purchasing you want online or entering a credit card information, you want to make sure that the website is secure. At all times, you should make sure that you see a closed lock on the website address or an unbroken key symbol on the website address and a little portion of it," notes Mosley.
Another concern for online shoppers is the rise in package theft, also known as porch piracy. Thieves often target deliveries left unattended.
"We understand the convenience of shopping online. Packages are delivered to you directly, you don't have to get in your car and drive anywhere. But there are some risks, as you so noted. But there are some tips that we, if it's not going to be you, enlist a neighbor to be on the lookout for, you know, packages you anticipate coming at a particular date and time. Use the ship-to-store option, if that's available," suggests Mosely.
By taking a few precautions, shoppers can enjoy the convenience of online shopping while avoiding the pitfalls of scams and theft this holiday season.
If you experience an issue like being scammed, it is encouraged to reach out to the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. Their helpline can be reached at (800) 697-1200
Tips provided by the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection.
Tips to Avoid Online Shopping Scams:
1. Beware of fake websites: Scammers often create fake websites to imitate legitimate brands. Carefully review the seller and product before buying. Look out for these fake website red flags:
2. Be careful when shopping on social media: Scammers use social media to set-up fake stores to trick customers into paying for products that never arrive. They may create fake accounts and use recognizable brand names and logos to advertise fake clearance sales on social media feeds. Scammers use tactics to make their stores appear authentic and may offer products at unusually low prices. If an offer seems too good to be true, it usually is. Always search for reviews before purchasing. Don’t purchase a product directly from the social media site or a link you find on the site. Instead, open a new browser and make your purchase through the retailer’s website.
3. Watch out for third-party seller scams: Confirm the legitimacy of the seller if shopping in an online marketplace. If redirected from a trusted site to a third-party site, read the seller’s policies and reviews, look for any consumer comments and, most importantly, do a broad internet search on the seller before making your purchase. Warranties from trusted sites do not cover third party sellers they host, so you could be unprotected if you get a substandard product or no product at all when you order from an unknown third-party vendor.
4. Read product specifications and terms: Make sure you read product descriptions carefully, including the fine print. It’s important to understand what you’re purchasing and the terms of sale to ensure you are getting what you want.
5. Learn how to spot a fake review: Fake reviews are not always obvious, so look at reviews from a variety of different sources to better understand the product,
Tips to Use Safe Payment Methods Online:
1. Check the website’s encryption: Before entering your credit card information, make sure that the website’s address (URL) begins with “https” and that there is a closed lock on the website address bar or unbroken key symbol in the lower portion of your window. These indicators show that the site is secured with a digital certificate. This means that any information sent between your browser and the website is sent securely.
2. Don’t save your payment information on websites: Many websites allow you to save your credit or debit card information for future purchases. Always opt out, and instead enter your card number each time you make a purchase.
3. Pick your payment method wisely: