Read into Risks and Red Flags on Hot Electronics

11/30/2011

Bookmark & Share
  • MySpace
  • Digg
  • Delicious
  • StumbleUpon

As cyber sales go into full force around the holidays, Better Business Bureau says lookout for social media posts, emails, pop-up advertisements and websites touting too-good-to-be-true deals. Avoid unrealistic sales on iPads, e-readers and other popular electronic gadgets.

Risks:

  1. Fly-by-night retailers collect payment information with no intention of shipping products. Shoppers may face financial fraud.
  2. Slimy sellers ship artificial or aftermarket goods, which often hold little value and break quickly. Consumers may have difficulty collecting refunds.
  3. Hackers promote enticing ads with low prices on "must-have" merchandise to get consumers to click on malicious hyperlinks or visit dangerous websites aimed at siphoning personal or financial data. Victims may struggle to protect computer files and prevent virus damage.

Red Flags:

  • Hot-ticket items like laptops, tablets and e-readers are advertised as "free" or priced way below market value; comparable items cost more on other sites.
  • Product photos are distorted and descriptions are lacking.
  • Websites are filled with high-pressure pop-up ads.
  • Product ads are posted anonymously on unfamiliar sites, blogs or classifieds.
  • Customer service representatives do not respond to phone or email inquiries.
  • Basic contact information is not posted on websites or other ads.
  • Business licensing or state registration is unverifiable.
  • Sellers' sites are missing privacy policies.
  • Check-out pages are not secure; there is no site encryption or "https."
  • Electronic checks and wire-transfers are the only accepted forms of payment.
  • Websites trigger warnings from anti-virus software or firewalls.
  • Internet searches reveal numerous negative reports from other consumers.
  • BBB Business Reviews show unanswered or unresolved complaints. 
  • Find reliable retailers at bbb.org.
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there a is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities.
Average Rating | Rate It

Related Articles

   
 

05/14/2012

Don't Fall for Fake Amazon.com Cancellati​on Emails

Online shoppers beware! The latest email phishing scam looks just like an order cancellation notice from Amazon.com. Be sure to double check suspicious emails you receive from the online retailer before clicking on any links.

05/03/2012

New Phishing Scam Hurts Small Businesses

Small businesses and consumers across the country are falling victim to the latest email phishing scam that exploits BBB’s name. The campaign that started yesterday was the second biggest phishing scam in the country.

02/10/2012

Protecting Data – Does Your Business Know What to Do?

Customers expect every business that collects their personal information to protect it. Better Business Bureau advises business owners to proactively address customer anxiety and takes steps to prevent and prepare for a security breach.


z