Watch out when you buy products on social media sites

Scammers searching for money and credit card information are exploiting more young people on their home turf of social media. An example is advertising a clothing organizer and sending an empty plastic bag. Another is selling puppies, particularly to senior citizens, and sending nothing. But the scamsters do more than fleece people out of money.

Scammers often use shoppers’ credit-card information to buy gift cards or cryptocurrency; other times, they sell consumers’ credit-card numbers, names, and addresses.

Facebook and TikTok are often used for these scams. Facebook offers limited protection:

According to Facebook’s purchase-protection policy, disputed purchases aren’t covered if buyers conduct transactions through Facebook Messenger or other messaging services, local pickups or third-party sites.

How can you protect yourself when you buy anything from a social media site? What can you do?

1. Research the seller: Before making a purchase, look up the seller’s website, social media pages, and reviews from other customers. Check if the seller has a verified account or has received any product certifications or awards. If the seller’s website or social media pages seem unprofessional or incomplete, or if there are numerous negative reviews, it may be a red flag that the seller is not legitimate.
2. Check the product details: Look for product descriptions, images, and specifications to determine whether they seem reasonable and accurate. If the product is significantly cheaper than similar items on other websites or seems too good to be true, it may be a sign that it is not legitimate.
3. Look for contact information: Legitimate sellers should be able to contact them directly, such as an email address, phone number, or physical address. If the seller only provides a contact form or no contact information, it may be a sign that they are not a legitimate business.
4. Check for secure payment methods: Legitimate sellers should offer secure payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal, that offer buyer protection. If the seller only accepts cash or wire transfers, it may indicate that they are not a legitimate business.
5. Use a trusted third-party platform: Consider using a trusted third-party platform, such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, to make your purchase. These platforms typically have buyer protection policies and can help resolve disputes between buyers and sellers.