Rob Gilbert was looking to buy something for himself or a present for his mother's upcoming birthday after he recently clicked on an online ad for a major retailer.
But when Gilbert tried to check out, he received a message that said “Card declined.”
He didn't think much of it. It was a new card, but I forgot the 3-digit code on the back. Instead, they used a debit card number stored on their phone to make the purchase.
But it turns out the Fort Collins, Colorado, man's card wasn't declined after all.
It was a scam.
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Both cards were quickly used for fraudulent charges.
Scammers who set up fake websites
The Better Business Bureau is warning the public that consumers like Gilbert are flooding in and reporting similar experiences. BBB Scam Tracker.
Here's how it works:
Consumers report shopping on what they thought was a legitimate website, or clicking on an email or social media ad that directed them to a shopping website. Customers typically enter their name, address, email address, and payment information.
But then customers said they received a message saying “your card has been declined” or “your card was not processed for some reason.”
Consumers often think they made a mistake or don't have enough funds and use another payment method.
For many people, they then receive actual communication from their card issuer via email or text that their account has been charged for an unauthorized purchase.
Gilbert, who also reported her experience to the BBB, said her first card was declined, but her second card had an order number and tracking number. But then I received a notification that both cards had been charged $74.
His card issuer canceled both cards and refunded the money.
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Other consumers who reported fraud to the BBB said their cards were fraudulently charged $200 and $2,500, respectively.
BBB spokeswoman Melanie McGovern told USA TODAY, “If you're shopping online and your card is declined, resist the urge to use another card. Instead, contact your bank. Please contact us and check if there are any problems.”
McGovern said if you suspect fraud, monitor your credit card transactions for unusual activity and report them to BBB's fraud tracker.
Tips to avoid online purchase scams
Here are some tips from the BBB to avoid online scams.
- Verify that the website is legitimate. Scammers often create Fake and lookalike websites This is to trick shoppers into thinking they are buying from a real business. You can be sure that the website is secure by looking at the URL (it may be off by a letter or two) and making sure that “https://” appears before the web address. please confirm.
- Beware of fake emails, texts, and ads. Scammers often impersonate fake companies email, text messageand social media advertising. Don't trust unsolicited messages and always check links before clicking on them. When in doubt, search the company's website yourself.
- Don't be fooled by great offers. If the price is too high to be true, it may be a scam. Let's compare the prices of the products you want.
- Research business. Check customer reviews and search for businesses online before purchasing. BBB.org. You can also search for BBB Scam Tracker This is to check if it is a scam or not.
- Use a credit card for added protection. Credit card companies offer additional protection against fraud, so you can dispute unexpected charges on your account.
- Check your credit and debit card protection. Contact your bank or research your protections to get up-to-date information on what protections your card has. You can also set purchase limits, travel restrictions, and notifications on purchases.
Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. please contact her BrynFisher@USATODAY.com Or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter. Consumer news is published on Fridays.here.
