Before Halloween, the Better Business Bureau is issuing a warning to shoppers, saying that scammers use terrible trickery to steal identities and money.
Pop-up shops are open and ready to take orders, but there's a chance they won't be around tomorrow. Because of this, many prefer to purchase online, although doing so entails hazards including scams and poor product quality.
Residents should constantly verify the company's business profile on the BBB website to prevent being conned. When at all feasible, it's also crucial to purchase goods from businesses that have been established long enough to have a proven track record.
Additionally, visitors should inspect a website's security options and confirm that the web URL starts with https. Even if you still have time to make those last-minute purchases, please beware of Halloween-related online shopping scams.
Top 4 Halloween Scams
This month, more than 500,000 Halloween-themed scam websites offering sales were discovered. Per Diamond Valley FCU, scammers have already begun spreading text message links to fraudulent web stores that advertise various Halloween special discount campaigns:
1. The shipping scam
Up until October 31, there are plenty of Halloween-themed shops on the internet. An incredible range of costumes, accessories, and decorations are available at affordable costs from many of these stores.
Unfortunately, some of the merchants that operate these websites never ship the ordered products. This is due to the fact that, despite the company's existence and seeming legitimacy, the item was never actually going to be shipped.
It's possible that the order may be canceled or that the delivery date will be moved to after Halloween. On occasion, the customer will receive the promised delivery on schedule, however it will be empty.
2. The fraudulent offer
This scam involves a fake company promoting a 'Super Special Deal' for 'Today Only' offer or a comparable deal. It will entice many unwary buyers into the trap by offering great Halloween goods at rates that are simply too good to be true.
Unfortunately, the business is a scam and the offer is fake. You won't receive the offered product or your money if you buy it. Before making a purchase, like with any potential fraud, confirm the legitimacy of a company and the safety of a website.
3. The fake ticket scam
Are you thinking about going to an amusement park, a concert, or any other event on Halloween? Be aware of the fake ticket scam, in which untrusting clients are sold false tickets by third parties just before an event.
A hefty commission will also be added, with the justification that it is necessary due to the last-minute purchase. Obviously, the ticket is fraudulent, and they will keep the ticket price as well as the fee.
4. The bogus purchase scam
In this case, scammers attempt to persuade you that you purchased something you don't remember ordering in order to obtain your personal data. Once the con artists get this information, they may empty your accounts, take out loans in your name, or engage in outright identity theft.
Do not interact with anyone who contacts you by email, phone, or text inquiring about a costume you never ordered or a ticket you never bought. The emails should be deleted or marked as spam. Block the individual's future calls and texts as well. Hopefully, the fraudster will realize that you're not a simple prey and leave you alone.
Here a list of some of the fake websites that you should avoid clicking:
- leisuretlly[.]com
- etcydecor[.]com
- coatpark[.]com
- nestorliquor[.]com
- annishuan[.]com
- hugoiio[.]com
- hardaddy[.]com
- cathytok[.]com
- usainverse[.]shop
- wersth[.]com
How to Spot Halloween Scam Websites?
According to TrendMicro, you can use the following guidelines to determine whether an online store is safe:
1. Details of the Web Domain - Always check if a link is secure before clicking on it. How? You may check the website information for suspicious URLs at Whois.
2. Payment Method - Does the website accept just cash on delivery (COD), prepaid and gift cards, cryptocurrency, electronic transfers, and cash? If so, there is a very good chance that it is a scam.
3. Layout and Typos - Websites that are trustworthy and well-designed should include 100% correct content! Are there many mistakes in grammar and awkward wording? If there are, you ought to think twice before spending money on the website.
4. Contact Details - Does the website offer accurate and complete contact information? To establish if the business is legitimate, you may either check to see if the contact details match the URL's domain or Google the location.
Prevent Being Scammed This Halloween!
Never open attachments or links from unidentified sources. Use Trend Micro Check to easily combat fraud! Shop exclusively from reputable internet retailers. Do your research and study reviews of the internet retailer you intend to use.
With Trend Micro Maximum Security, your device will have an additional layer of security! To assist you in fending off fraud and online threats, it contains Web Threat Protection, Ransomware Protection, Anti-phishing, and Anti-spam Protection.
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