The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned about a new scam targeting online shoppers. The “card declined” scam involves fake websites resembling legitimate retailer sites. When unsuspecting shoppers enter their credit card information and receive a “card declined” message, it could be a sign of fraud.
The scammer then saves the card details and attempts to make unauthorized purchases. Nakia Mills, the BBB’s Director of Marketing, shared an example of a woman in Troy who was targeted. The woman thought she was buying shoes from a legitimate website, but the next day, she received a text message from her bank about a fraud alert.
The scammer attempted to use her card to purchase a $408 plane ticket. Fortunately, her bank detected the fraud, and the woman did not lose any money. “These bad actors are creating fake websites that look so similar to actual retailer websites that they fool people,” Mills explained.
She noted that advancements in AI technology have enabled scammers to create more convincing fake sites by eliminating previously common red flags like lousy grammar and blurred images. To avoid falling victim to the “card declined” scam, the BBB recommends the following tips:
BBB tips to avoid card scam
1.Verify the website’s legitimacy by checking the URL for small misspellings or unusual domain extensions like .net instead of .com, and ensure it starts with “https.”
2. Be wary of phishing attempts and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, texts, or ads. Visit trusted business websites directly.
3. Compare prices on verified retail websites to identify offers that seem too good to be true.
4. Research the business by looking up customer reviews on the BBB.org website or conducting a quick online search for potential red flags. 5. Use a credit card for online purchases as they offer extra protection and allow you to dispute unauthorized charges.
The BBB also advises consumers to discuss fraud protection options with their banks, such as setting purchase limits and travel restrictions and signing up for purchase notifications. For more information and updates, consumers can sign up for the Morning Newsletter and share their scam experiences with the BBB to help protect others.
