As the back-to-school season approaches, parents are busy preparing for the new school year. From buying new clothes to stocking up on school supplies, online shopping has become a convenient way to get everything you need without leaving the house. However, this shift means the back-to-school season is prime time for online shopping scams and schemes aimed at taking advantage of busy parents.
Key Takeaways
- Verify the legitimacy of websites and deals. Always check URLs, contact information, and reviews before purchasing to avoid fake online stores and counterfeit products.
- Be cautious with unsolicited emails and social media ads. Avoid clicking on links or providing personal information in response to unsolicited messages or ads, as these can be phishing attempts or lead to scam sites.
- Use secure payment methods and monitor your accounts. Opt for credit cards or trusted payment services for online purchases, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review your financial statements for any suspicious activity.
Here are some common online shopping scams to watch out for, plus some tips on how to protect yourself.
1. Fake Online Stores
How it works:
Scammers create fake websites that look like legitimate online stores. They offer popular items at unbelievably low prices to lure in unsuspecting back-to-school shoppers. However, if you make a purchase, you are unlikely to receive the products you order—or your money back.
How to protect yourself:
Check the URL for slight misspellings or extra characters in the web address. Look for the company’s contact information. Legitimate websites will have clear contact information, including a phone number and physical address. If all that checks out, read the reviews. Search for reviews of the website on independent review sites like Google, Yelp, Consumer Reports, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau.
2. Phishing Emails and Texts
How it works:
Scammers send emails or text messages that appear to be from reputable retailers offering school-related freebies or deals. A common scam this time of year targets parents and offers a free shopping spree at retailers like Target or Walmart in exchange for an email address or phone number. If you respond, you’ll be rewarded with an endless stream of emails, texts, and robocalls. These messages may even contain links to fake websites or ask for personal information like credit card numbers or login credentials.
How to protect yourself:
Verify the sender before responding. Check the email address or phone number to make sure it matches the retailer’s official contact information. Don’t click on the included links. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website through your browser. Look for common red flags like urgent language, poor grammar, or requests for sensitive information.
3. Counterfeit Products
How it works:
In 2023, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted 21 million counterfeit items worth an estimated $2.5 billion. So it is no surprise that there has been a recent surge in online retailers offering counterfeit classroom essentials—like electronics, footwear, school gear, and clothing. For this scam to work, fraudsters sell counterfeit or low-quality products at a significant markup (but much cheaper than the items they are duping). To the untrained eye, it may seem like a great deal. However, counterfeit goods don’t follow manufacturers’ standards or regulatory testing; so the goods are often made of inferior materials and could even be dangerous. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, that could mean “exploding electronics, faulty bike helmets, toys with hidden choking hazards, or everyday items like clothes and backpacks laden with harmful chemicals.”
How to protect yourself:
Always buy from reputable retailers. If you stick to well-known stores or the official websites of the brands you trust, you are less likely to be swindled. When you do make a purchase, check the return policy. A legitimate retailer will have a clear and fair return policy. Also, do a little research before buying big-ticket and popular items. Read product reviews. Look for detailed reviews from other customers. Be cautious of websites with reviews that seem overly positive or generic.
4. Social Media Scams
How it works:
Scammers use social media platforms to advertise fake deals on much-needed back-to-school items (like electronics, backpacks, and shoes). Sometimes, these scams even come through sponsored posts or ads. Clickable ads can lead to fake websites or ask for personal information while individual scammers may be posting fake (or non-existent) items to steal your money.
How to protect yourself
If the person listing the item is an individual, don’t agree to pay until you have the item in hand. Watch out for common Facebook Marketplace and social media red flags—like a seller who asks you to send them a “deposit” to hold the item.
If it’s a business, check the retailer’s social media platforms and look for verification badges. Browse their history of posts and interactions. Be especially wary of social media deals that seem “too good to be true”. If you find something suspicious, report it.
Tips for Safer Online Shopping
Before you add those items to your shopping cart and click “Buy Now”, keep these FTC tips in mind:
- Check the refund and return policies—especially for clearance items or deeply discounted items.
- Use a credit card. Credit cards and related payment services like PayPal offer more protection than debit cards. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a better chance of getting your money back.
- Save your receipts and confirmation emails—even after you receive the items. If something goes wrong with the order or the item, you may need proof of purchase to dispute the sale with your credit card company.
- Watch out for pre-checked boxes. Before you purchase, uncheck any boxes that auto-subscribe you to services or bill you for things you don’t agree with. The practice is illegal, but some sketchy retailers look for creative ways to charge you extra.
- Don’t feel bound by shipping delays. If you buy something online and don’t receive it, notify the seller as soon as possible. If they haven’t shipped the item within the promised timeframe, the law says you can cancel the order for a full refund.
- Enable two-factor authentication for online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
- Keep your software up to date. Ensure your browser, antivirus, and operating system are all updated to protect against malware.
- Monitor your accounts. Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
If you believe you have already been scammed, act immediately. Report any suspicious activity to your credit union, financial institution, or credit card company. If you are a Maps member, just call or text us at 503.588.0181. You can also stop by one of our branches to learn more about protecting your finances and your personal information. If necessary, file a report with local law enforcement and the FTC. And remember, quick action can help you recover lost funds and protect you (and others) in your community from future attacks.
Want more money-saving back-to-school tips?
- Check out our article on Money-Saving Back-to-School Shopping Tips.
- Find some ideas on How to Budget for Extracurricular Sports & Activities.
- Learn some Back-to-School Meal Planning Tips for Busy Families.