Protect your wallet from scammers this new year.
A new AARP survey reveals that more than a third of U.S. adults who made purchases from social media ads have experienced fraud.
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Here are three tips to remember when coming across social media shopping scams.
Don’t click that ad
If the ad is from a known retailer, retype the address into your browser or use the retailer’s app. Scammers can create fake ads that look like legitimate links, and clicking on them could redirect you to a scam website.
Read reviews and research
If the ad is from an unknown retailer, first verify the site’s credibility. Next research the company and keep your eyes out for complaints with organizations like the Better Business Bureau.
Inspect product quality
Be careful of “bait-and-switch” scams. Such as if you receive a product that is worse than what was originally advertised, or if your package never comes. If this occurs, contact your credit card company to dispute the charges or contact the company’s customer service operators.
Be a fraud fighter! If you spot a scam, report it!
Report scams to local law enforcement, or for help from AARP visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network
