FTC says scammers made the most of pandemic increase in online shopping | #phishing | #scams | #education | #technology | #infosec

How to avoid getting scammed

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – When the pandemic struck in 2020, stores and businesses shut down, and people shopped more and more online.

So scammers had more and more opportunities to take advantage of people by creating fake retail websites.

“Reports of losses to online shopping fraud by older adults more than doubled in 2020, and the numbers continued to rise in 2021,” said Todd Kossaw, the Midwest director for the Federal Trade Commission.

Kossaw said the fake websites are usually run by criminal organizations in other countries.

He gave tips for people to remember when shopping online.

Do research first to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable seller and search for scams or complaints regarding that website.

Make sure the site has a real physical address or phone number.

He also said to pay by credit card whenever possible, that way you can dispute the transaction if you never receive the product or receive the wrong product.

If you ever suspect that you are a target of a scam, contact the FTC and report it.