The Better Business Bureau for Alberta and East Kootenay is warning consumers about fraudulent Halloween shopping websites and online advertisements, as reports are soaring across North America.
The organization warns that scammers are promoting deals on costumes and other Halloween products through seemingly legitimate websites and advertisements.
“Scammers are relentless, and this is just one more example of how far they will go to get consumers to click on malicious links,” stated CEO Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen.
“It may all seem legitimate,” she added, “but many of these deals are phishing scams designed to trick people into clicking links that can lead to the theft of personal and banking information.”
The BBB recommends avoiding links found in unexpected or unsolicited text messages and encourages consumers to shop from trusted retailers when making online purchases. Additionally, consumers are advised to use credit cards for online transactions, as these can be disputed if necessary.
The organization also suggests that shoppers remain cautious of online advertisements promoting products at deeply discounted prices. Finally, before entering any personal or payment information, consumers should check for HTTPS in the website address, as the “S” indicates a secure connection.
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