Our bank at the Lake of the Ozarks CARES about our customers. This is why we put helpful blogs like this together for you. Keep reading this week's blog to learn a few online shopping safety tips. First Bank of the Lake puts YOU first.
Online Shopping Safety Tips
The internet has made it simple and seamless to visit an online store, browse through its numerous options, add a product or two to a shopping cart, and click to buy. This simplicity led many of us to only increasingly shop online during the pandemic, and scammers have taken note. According to the Better Business Bureau’s 2020 Scam Tracker Risk Report, online purchase scams were the most-reported scams of the year.
Scammers have your online shopping habits on their radar. Here's what to look for:
Unreal deals.
Scammers may lure you in with a deeply discounted offer that seems too good to be true, only to tack on fees or fake COVID-related costs once you make the first payment.
Unknown sellers.
Anyone can set up an online shop or post an ad on social media. If you can, have a video call with the seller to meet them and see what you’re buying, especially if it’s a big-ticket item.
Did you know... A spike in pet scams followed the start of the pandemic. If you are looking for a pet, please consider supporting your local animal shelter and adopting to help ensure a safe experience.
Pressure to buy.
Be wary of any seller who pressures you to buy right away or asks you to pay using a digital payment app, wire transfers, or even gift cards — none of which provide payment protection. Use a credit card if you can.
Bad reviews.
Do an online search on the seller, product, and related scams by using terms like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam”. No reviews can be a red flag too. Get a second opinion from a friend or family member.
- Shop on secure websites — look for HTTPS in the URL.
- Research on the website or seller before placing an order.
- Read the site’s privacy and security policies.
- Consider paying with a credit card, which may have better payment protections.
- Never give out your social security number.
- Check your account history periodically to make sure there are no fraudulent transactions.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity on your First Bank of the Lake account or debit card, call us immediately at 573.348.2265.
- Check your credit report periodically. Consumers can request one free copy of his or her credit report every year. Reviewing your credit report can help you find out if someone has opened unauthorized financial accounts, or taken out unauthorized loans, in your name.
We’re Here to Help
If you have any additional questions about banking safety, please contact us at 573.348.2265 or email info@fblake.bank. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements and tips. We put you first!
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