Pandemic aside, the loss of money and personal information and the perseverance of scammers continue with online purchase scams as the riskiest of scams.
As we ring in the new year, your Better Business Bureau recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list, alongside the weight loss and financial goals, to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free:
1. I resolve to be cautious with email
Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency or reputable organization (even BBB!). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
2. I resolve to never send money to strangers
If you haven't met a person face-to-face, don't send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a pre-paid debit card or CashApp. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable and once it's sent, there's no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking - so before making a move, think the situation through. Don't fall for it!
3. I resolve to do research before making online payments and purchases
When shopping online, or if asked to make a payment online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask yourself: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server that starts with "https://"? Have I checked them out with BBB.org to see if others have complained and confirmed they are an established business?
4. I resolve to use my best judgment when sharing my personal information
Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share financial information, birthdate, address, Social Security/Social Insurance number or Medicare number with an unsolicited caller.
5. I resolve to be social media smart
Make use of privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you actually know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile and never reveal address and other sensitive information - even in a "fun" quiz on social media. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as a friend or relative and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you saw on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.
Further information
To learn more about scams, go to BBB.org/ScamTips. For more about avoiding scams, check out BBB.org/AvoidScams. BBB offers more local information online at bbb.org/Chattanooga and you can contact your BBB at 423-266-6144.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.
Staff photo by Troy Stolt / Chattanooga Better Business Bureau President Michele Mason poses for a portrait on Monday, June 14, 2021, in Chattanooga, Tenn.