Shared Reading: Beware of Fake Websites

Many of us often choose shopping online because of the lower prices and the convenience of having purchases delivered directly to our doors. But how do we know a website is safe to make transactions? Companies like Amazon.com are popular enough that we can rely on them but what about smaller sites that you find through a Google search?  Wallet Pop recently wrote a great article about fake websites and how to spot them.

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about websites claiming to sell discounted merchandise, luring customers with ads on Craigslist but not delivering the products customers have bought.

I have told you before about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to help spot scams, but it holds true for anything were money can exchange hands.

Other red flags include:

• No known address for the companies. In the case of [website removed], only a [location removed] location is listed.
• Both websites were created within the past month or two.
• The BBB has been unable to verify that these businesses are properly registered.
• Customers who have sent emails to the addresses listed on the websites have received the same generic email in return.

In my opinion, there are some times where it's better to spend a few extra dollars on a site you trust than to risk a scam. Some companies, such as Overstock.com offer price matching so it might be possible to get the cheaper price from a company you trust.

Another important step in protecting yourself is to use a credit card.  If you are asked to pay through a money order there is no way to track the money once it leaves your hand.  Credit card companies work hard to fight fraud and scams so they will hopefully be able to get your money back for you.

I highly recommend reading the full article, Beware of fake websites selling products, over at Wallet Pop to learn more about this new scam that seems to be popping up.