MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (June 10, 2024) – Father’s Day is on June 16 this year. While shopping online for Father’s Day purchases, Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Carolinas (BBB) reminds consumers to be wary of online purchase scams and all-inclusive packages advertised at steep discounts.
When purchasing gifts online for Father’s Day or any other celebration, it is essential to exercise caution and carefully read the limitations of purchase, expected delivery date, and source of the product. BBB’s 2023 Scam Tracker Risk Report identified online purchase scams as the No. 3 riskiest scam. Scammers often capitalize on marketplace trends, and Father’s Day allows fraudulent sellers to advertise products and services disguised as gift ideas.
Here are three tips for shopping safely for Dad:
Research before you buy: Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website, look for customer reviews, check if the website has a secure connection (look for “https://” in the URL), and search for any complaints or scam reports on bbb.org/scamtracker.
Be cautious of unrealistic deals: While it’s tempting to seize a great bargain, be cautious if a deal seems too good to be true. Scammers often lure victims with unbelievably low prices to deceive and defraud unsuspecting shoppers.
Safeguard your online transactions: When making online purchases look for websites that have secure payment symbols like a lock icon or “https://” in the address bar. Avoid entering sensitive information on unsecured websites to protect yourself from potential identity theft.
BBB recommends the following guidelines to avoid scams:
Read the fine print. When buying gift cards or outing packages, check the terms and conditions before purchasing to ensure that the expiration date and other limitations will not be problematic. Pay close attention to any policies that may void the transaction if not followed, such as arrival times, cancellation or rescheduling processes, and if there are physical restrictions or requirements. If you give a gift card to someone who will make online purchases, be sure it is valid for in-store and online purchases.
Allow time for shipping and delivery. With less than a week until Father’s day, check with the retailer or website to ensure you have been allowed enough time to deliver any purchased gifts. Ensure your preferred delivery date is clearly specified and guaranteed when you order. For expensive items, you may consider requiring the package signed for on delivery to prevent package theft.
Be responsible with rentals. Sometimes to create a unique gift, rentals are involved. Before renting ATVs, campers, motorcycles, or other recreational equipment for excursions this Father’s Day, be sure you get a written contract that includes details such as the base rental cost, daily fees, insurance, and time restrictions for any equipment. Also, take the time to visually inspect the rental and get written proof of any existing damage to avoid disputes over unexpected maintenance and repair fees.
Have a backup plan. Take the time to understand a store or service’s guarantee and other policies. Find out how the business handles customer complaints and what options you will have if the arrangement is unsatisfactory. It is best to use a credit card when ordering online due to the added protections credit cards have to dispute charges. Charges made on a debit card, wire transfer, or mobile banking app are often the same as cash, and you may not be able to dispute charges if there is a problem.
Don’t click online coupons. If you see a post on social media or receive an email with an offer, don’t click on the link unless you’re sure the source is legitimate, as it could take you to a malicious website. Suppose you see a product or sale advertisement online, especially on social media. In that case, search for it independently by going directly to the company’s website to verify the offer is legitimate. Learn more about social media scams on BBB.org.
For more information:
If you’re shopping online, check BBB’s tips for smart shopping online and additional tips at BBB.org/onlineshopping.
Find more tips, news, and scam alerts by visiting BBB.org/news.
For more information, visit bbb.org.
About BBB of Eastern Carolinas
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 48 counties in North and South Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from over 5,200 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit BBB.org.
