BBB Tip-Off to the Rip-Off: Online shopping scams [Video]

The BBB has a new study showing scammers are shopping for victims online at an alarming rate.

For the past few years, online shopping scams have been the number one problem reported to the BBB, and new numbers show a staggering 125% increase this year.

As holiday shopping is expected to reach $240 billion, buyers must be alert to online purchase scams such as fake advertising, especially on social media.

With online shopping being so widespread, nearly everyone is at risk. In fact, for those encountering scammers over 80% indicated that they lost money.

Red flags include any demand for payment by apps, gift cards, or bank wires.Pet scams make up a large portion of these reports; so always visit the buyer in person when possible.

For more information, go to BBB.org/ChicagoBuzz.

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