Online Shopping Scams

Shop smart. Stay alert.

Online shopping scams can happen through fake websites, fraudulent sellers, social media ads, or online marketplaces. Scammers often create convincing stores and deals designed to steal your money, card information, or personal information.

Before making a purchase, take a moment to make sure the seller is legitimate.

Warning Signs

Watch for:

Prices that seem too good to be true
Websites with unusual URLs, spelling errors, or poor-quality content
Sellers with little or no contact information or return policy
Requests for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or payment app
Pressure to buy quickly
Social media ads for unfamiliar retailers with limited reviews
Requests to communicate or pay outside a trusted shopping platform

How to Protect Yourself

Research the seller. Look for reviews and search the company name along with words like “scam” or “complaint.”

Check the website address. Fraudulent sites may use web addresses that are very similar to legitimate retailers.

Avoid unexpected links. Instead of clicking links in texts, emails, or social media posts, visit the retailer’s website or app directly.

Use a secure payment method. Be cautious if a seller insists on payment methods that are difficult to recover.

Protect your information. Never give a seller your digital banking password, PIN, or one-time security code.

Think You’ve Been Scammed?

Act quickly. Contact us if you believe your debit card or account information has been compromised.

You should also:

Review your accounts for unauthorized transactions
Change compromised passwords
Secure or replace affected cards if necessary
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Remember

A professional-looking website or social media ad does not mean a seller is legitimate.

Slow down, research before you buy, and trust your instincts.

If you have concerns about a suspicious transaction, contact Chambers Bank at 800-603-1226.