The holidays are usually filled with a host of events, from holiday parties to popup gift markets and craft shows. As with everything else in 2020, COVID-19 has changed the way we attend events. This has caused many vendors to seek out ways to hold these events virtually. While these virtual events may sound like a creative solution, beware — they can turn into a pay day for scammers.
Here’s how: You hear of a fun online event being held nearby, so you do a quick Google search and find a social media post with a link requiring payment for your ticket. But, the event information you found may have been posted by scammers not affiliated with the real holiday market. Though the site where you found the information may seem legitimate, con artists can easily make realistic sites look like an official site.
Another element to this scam focuses on online markets where vendors post photos of their products and links to their websites. Be wary of these products and links, because they may have been posted by scammers. Some consumers reported to the Better Business Bureau that they the clicked the links provided, thinking they led to an online shop, but instead the sites downloaded malware to their devices.
Take a look at the BBB’s tips to protect yourself against these virtual event scams this season:
• Is there an admission fee? Visit the event’s website directly to see if you need to purchase a ticket for the virtual event. Be suspicious if free, in-person events you’ve attended in the past now have an admission fee. If this happens, contact the event coordinator to help prevent other virtual attendees from being scammed.
• Research vendors and the host. If the event is unfamiliar to you, research the host and list of vendors ahead of time. If you are unsure if a shop is legitimate, do an online search for the vendor’s store rather than follow the link provided.
• Always use a credit card. Credit card companies are more likely to provide refunds if the event ends up being bogus. Third-party payment providers and debit cards often do not have the same fraud protections.
• Keep your receipts. Make note of all your purchases and save receipts. If you have a question about a product or need to make a return, you will have the vendor’s information readily available.
• Review the cancellation policy. Visit the venue’s website or contact the business. Given the uncertainty of the pandemic, each vendor or host is more than likely to have their own policy in handling refunds, exchanges or may offer a rescheduling option.
If you spot a scam, whether you’ve lost money or not, report it to BBB’s ScamTracker at bbb.org/ScamTracker. Your story can help other consumers avoid similar scams. Visit bbb.org/shopsafe for more tips to keep your holiday gifts safe this year.
Marjorie Stephens is president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit www.bbb.org.
