Convenient Holiday Rip-Offs
By Bob McDonnellLisa Hall won’t be doing any of her holiday shopping over the Internet.
The Manassas mother, with two sets of twins, tried to buy yorkie puppies on a Web site for $700. After sending the money, the seller disappeared, and she couldn’t get her money back. “I just can’t believe someone would do something like this,” she said, “especially with puppies.”
Shireen Garvin ordered what she thought was a Louis Vuitton purse for $118. “It was a cheap fake, not even a good fake,” the Williamsburg mother said after receiving a brown pleather knock-off. The seller disappeared, and Garvin couldn’t get her money back either.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, internet auction fraud is on the rise across the United States. And the numbers of complaints that our office receives from internet fraud continue to climb. In the words of Mrs. Hall: “Be wary of the internet. It is definitely a dangerous tool. You just never know.”
Here are some tips to keep in mind this holiday season, if you’re planning to shop over the Internet:
* Confirm a seller’s phone number and physical address, so you know whom you’re dealing with.
* Read the fine print. “Vintage” and “close-out prices” could mean counterfeit.
* Pay with a credit or charge card, not cash, so you’re at least protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act.
* Iron out the terms of the deal, delivery date, shipping charges and refund policy.
* Keep a paper trail. Print off receipts and check your credit card statement for unauthorized purchases.
* Never e-mail financial information like your credit card, checking account or social security number.
If you fear that you’ve been victimized from shopping online, please contact our office by completing our contact form or calling our Consumer Hotline, 800-451-1525.
We take consumer protection seriously in our office, and have people who can help with prevention and victimization. In an age of increased scams by mail, phone and the Internet, Virginians must be educated and vigilant.