4 tips for identifying online shopping scams

(NC) Online shopping makes things easier and more convenient. But while it’s fun to hunt for good deals from the comfort of home, be cautious of fraudsters who could be on the hunt for your money or identity.

There are many ways fraudsters target victims, like fake retail websites, counterfeit goods, vendors that vanish after payment, phony free trial offers, hyperlinks that can launch malware and more. To avoid getting scammed on your next online purchase, follow these tips:

1. Verify the seller. Watch out for those with grammatical errors, odd URLs or a lack of customer reviews. Look closely at the site’s privacy policy as well as their terms and conditions, and remember to check customer feedback. Purchase only from trusted company websites or sellers.

2. Look for built-in security features. If there’s a broken key symbol or an open padlock symbol to the left of the URL in your browser, it means the transaction isn’t secure and could be intercepted by a third party. When the key symbol is complete or the padlock is locked, or the web address begins with “https://,” it’s a secure transaction.

3. Be wary of entering too much information. If a site is asking for your social insurance number or driver's license, be cautious—it could be a scam.

4. Monitor your statements. Watch for discrepancies, like repeated or unknown charges on your bank or credit card. Monitor your statements frequently to review your purchases and payments as they happen.

If you think you were a victim of fraud, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. You should also contact your local police, bank, and the two credit reporting agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, to put a fraud alert on your credit report.

Learn more ways to protect yourself from fraud at canada.ca/money.