TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — As 2020 comes to an end, the scams out there won’t stop as criminals find new ways to get your money.
Sean Herdrick with the Better Business Bureau says their 2020 scam tracker report shows online scams on the rise.
“With COVID and everything else it’s the perfect storm for scammers. Honestly, we’re seeing a 300 percent increase on online purchase scams year-over-year. Especially with the holiday season coming up, the online purchasing is absolutely going bonkers,” Herdrick said
The report has details on everything from who’s targeted the most, to the impact and how to avoid becoming a victim of fake websites.
“Really make sure you verify where links are taking you especially with the sales. You really want to make sure you’re really going to the actual retailer’s website -- sometimes it can spoof those," Herdrick said.
When it comes to those random emails that show up with claims of problems with your accounts, it's best to not click on them and go directly to the company website or call.
“If Netflix contacts you, if PayPal contacts you -- if it’s a scam, they will ask you to pay with a gift card or some other type of prepaid debit card,” Herdrick said.
According to the BBB scam tracker, the average loss to victims is about $100. They also say it’s a good idea to be extra careful on Facebook.
“Whether its cars, holiday items, whether its gifts -- just be really careful out there make sure that you don’t get taken,” Herdrick said.
Click here to see the BBB's Scam Tracker.