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Online purchase scams continue to be the third-riskiest scams due to the loss of money and personal information and the perseverance of scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free.

1. I resolve to be cautious with email, text, and phone calls. Be wary of unsolicited communication from a person or company. Remember, scammers can make these look like they are from a legitimate business, government, agency, or reputable organization. Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited texts and emails. If you don't recognize a phone number, don't answer. If you do answer a phone call and something seems off, hang up and call back the person or company at a phone number you know is legitimate.
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 is 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. Research the retailer before entering payment information when shopping online, or if asked to pay online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: 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? (https:??....com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained?
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 create strong, unique passwords for each account. Using strong, varied passwords across accounts makes it harder for fraudsters to access multiple accounts if one is compromised.
6. I resolve to enable two-factor authentication. Adding a second layer of security to accounts, especially those involving finances or personal data, greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
7. I resolve to be smart on social media. Use privacy settings and only connect with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile, and never reveal your address and other sensitive information—even in a "fun" quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves appear as friends or relatives and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you see on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.
8.  I resolve to regularly check my financial statements. Committing to review bank and credit card statements can help catch unauthorized transactions early.
9. I resolve to educate myself about the latest scams. Staying informed on emerging scams helps you recognize and avoid new fraud tactics.

 

Originally posted by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) on November 5, 2024, adapted by IAA Credit Union.