BBB Warns of Online Purchasing Scams

ZANESVILLE, OH – The Better Business Bureau is urging people to use caution if you’re trying to snag a good deal on Christmas gifts.

According to the BBB Scam Tracker, online purchasing scams was the leading scam type seen in 2022. Judy Dollison, the President of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio, said they expect to see that number grow this year.

“We’re expecting that online purchasing scams will continue to grow this year,” Dollison said. “Online shopping is something we all need to be on the watch for.”

Dollison says the most common scam is purchasing from a website claiming to be an actual brand. She said the easiest way to spot a fake website from a real one is the URL.

“If you think you’re buying from a well known brand, double check its URL,” Dollison said. “There might just be a slight difference because when you just look at it quickly you think it’s a legitimate site and it’s not.”

Dollison also said the most important thing to remember is if the deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

“A lot of scammers will try to entice you with a great product at a really low price,” Dollison said. “Especially around the holidays, we see that ‘hard to get’ item. If it’s something that’s in demand and hard to find, you’re not going to get a good deal on it.”

If you or someone you know falls victim to a scam this holiday season, you can report it to the BBB.