As the holiday shopping season ramps up, consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their gift purchases, seeking convenience and variety. However, this shift also heightens the risk of encountering scams.
According to McAfee’s 2024 Global Holiday Shopping Scams Study, 70% of American shoppers now believe that AI-powered scams, including deepfakes, significantly impact their online shopping behaviors. Alarmingly, 21% of Americans have unknowingly purchased fake products endorsed by deepfake celebrities, with the figure rising to 33% among Gen Z and Millennials.
Common tactics include fake missed delivery notifications (59%), phony purchase alerts (44%), and fake credit card issue messages (37%). With 89% of Americans planning to shop online this holiday season, the need for vigilance is more critical than ever. Here are six prevalent holiday shopping scams and tips on how to avoid falling victim to them.
RB Insights
- Be cautious with gift cards and only purchase from reputable sources.
- Verify the authenticity of discounted goods before buying.
- Watch out for fraudulent e-cards that may contain malicious links.
- Use coupon sites that don’t require personal information.
- Be aware of potential scams when using the ‘buy online, pick up in-store’ option.
- Order early to avoid delivery issues and use secure payment methods.
1. The Gift Card Scam Gift cards remain a popular gift choice but are also prime targets for scammers. Fraudsters exploit the high demand for gift cards, often selling fake or already-used cards through unofficial channels.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), nearly one in three Americans have been targeted by a gift card scam. To protect yourself, only purchase gift cards from trusted retailers and consider using platforms with a clear guarantee policy.
For more details on how to stay safe, visit the FTC’s guide on avoiding gift card scams. 2. The Counterfeit Goods Scam Discounts on high-end brands can be enticing, but they often come with a catch. Counterfeit goods are rampant during the holiday season, especially on lesser-known websites.
Almost 7 in 10 consumers were misled into purchasing counterfeit items online at least once in the past year, according to a 2023 study from Michigan State University. Always research the seller and ensure you are buying from a reputable source to avoid receiving knock-offs…
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