WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the holiday season kicks into full gear, federal officials are urging consumers to stay vigilant against online shopping scams that tend to spike this time of year, particularly on social media platforms.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a consumer alert this week, warning that scammers are increasingly posing as legitimate businesses in online ads. These ads often offer popular products at prices that seem too good to be true. Clicking on them may redirect shoppers to fake websites that appear convincing but are designed to steal payment information or deliver counterfeit goods, or nothing at all. Scammers frequently exploit trusted brand names, use stolen product images, and run professional-looking ad campaigns to lure unsuspecting consumers. According to the FTC, social media is one of the most common places where these schemes appear.
To help shoppers protect themselves, the FTC recommends several key practices:
- Research sellers before buying. Search the company or website name along with terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” to see what others are saying.
- Use a credit card when possible. Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections, including the ability to dispute charges for items that never arrive or are misrepresented.
- Avoid unusual payment methods. If a seller requests payment via gift card, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency, it is likely a scam.
- Keep records. Save order confirmations and receipts in case problems arise. By law, sellers must ship items within the time frame they promise, or give customers the option to cancel for a refund.
The agency also encourages consumers to report scams directly at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to learn more about safe online shopping practices at ftc.gov/OnlineShopping.
