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Christina Garza, FBI Public Affairs Officer said: “Try and pay with a credit card.
“But again, if anyone is asking you to pay in the form of a gift card, Bitcoin, cryptocurrency [that’s a] big red flag.
FBI TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS
If you are buying goods, here are some tips from the FBI to avoid scams:
Check each website’s URL to make sure it’s legitimate and secure. A site you’re buying from should have ‘https’ in the web address. If it doesn’t, don’t enter your information on that site.
If you’re purchasing from a company for the first time, do your research and check reviews.
Verify the legitimacy of a buyer or seller before moving forward with a purchase. If you’re using an online marketplace or auction website, check their feedback rating. Be wary of buyers and sellers with mostly unfavorable feedback ratings or no ratings at all.
Avoid sellers who act as authorized dealers or factory representatives of popular items in countries where there would be no such deals.
Be wary of sellers who post an auction or advertisement as if they reside in the U.S., then respond to questions by stating they are out of the country on business, family emergency, or similar reasons.
Always get tracking numbers for items you buy online, so you can make sure they have been shipped and can follow the delivery process.
Be suspect of any credit card purchases where the address of the cardholder does not match the shipping address when you are selling. Always receive the cardholder’s authorization before shipping any products.
Claudia Massie, Brazos Valley Adult Protective Services Board President also added: “I would just say be vigilant, being very careful not to be impulsive and not to purchase things on impulse.”
While Katie Galan, Better Business Bureau Regional Director urged buyers to know exactly where they are ordering from.
She said: “If you’re looking at virtual purchases, something that we do see a lot of during the holiday season are dummy sites.
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