Throughout the holiday season, and especially during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, we're all looking for those ultra-low markdowns. But these days, impostors are lurking everywhere who could ruin your holiday cheer.
Shoppers Mandy, Julie, and Holly, who were out shopping at a recent craft market, say fake or misleading ads have burned them.
"You see something for sale, and what you get is not the same thing. Oh yeah, all the time," they said,
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Ashley Volbrecht owns a mobile fashion boutique, Truckshop.
She has heard many stories of fashion fails from customers duped by low prices on social media.
"If it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true," she said. "You get it in person, and it doesn't look like the photo or it’s lighted differently."
Beware spoofed websites, unexpected messages from stores
James Mirfin is the global head of Visa's Risk and Identity Solutions.
"You do need to be much more aware when you're shopping online," he said.
His first warning: Watch out for spoofed websites that are after your information.
Recently, he said, "We saw a nearly 300% increase in the number of fake or scam merchants that were set up compared to the previous four months."
NerdWallet credit card expert Sara Rathner says to be especially wary of emails and texts from retailers, even if you've shopped with them before.
"Sometimes they're telling you, 'Hey, there's something wrong with your account. Click here to update your account information.' Don't do it. Do not click that button," she said.
When shopping online, experts say:
- Shop with a trusted retailer
- Beware rof etailers you have never heard of in social media ads offering extremely low prices
- Set up two-factor authentication, especially if you've saved your credit card information online
When shopping in person at a store or craft fair, Mirfin says you still need to be on guard.
"The best thing you can do for secure transactions is to tap or to use contactless. So there's an extra level of security and peace of mind that comes there," he said.
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And if possible, he says use a credit card, which provides more protection against fraudulent activity, instead of a debit card.
Karen Gassett is extra cautious when shopping online.
"Is it true, or is it fake? You are kind of taking your chance," she said.
That's why she prefers shopping in person at trusted stores, and local craft fairs where you know who the artist is, so you don't waste your money.
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