Scammers Lurk on Amazon.com

Did you know, if you buy something on Amazon.com,* you’re not necessarily buying directly from Amazon.com? Our Fraud Watch Network helpline recently worked with a buyer who was scammed by a third-party seller on Amazon.com. She ultimately got her money back, but she could have saved herself substantial time and efforts had she been armed with the following tips from AARP Fraud Watch Network!

• In addition to selling products from its store, the retail giant also connects buyers to a wide array of third party sellers.
• Many, if not most, are likely legitimate sellers, but beware that scammers can be lurking in the marketplace.
• Be aware - the scammer will often try to get you to make your purchase outside of the normal Amazon.com process.

• Only pay for items you are considering through the Amazon.com website.
• Read reviews. If a seller has tried to scam someone before, chances are good their reviews will reflect that.
• If you run into trouble with a third party seller on Amazon.com, make use of the Amazon A-to-Z Guarantee, which guarantees purchases from third party sellers when payment is made on the Amazon.com website.

Remember, Amazon.com recently started collecting state sales tax on purchases made in South Dakota. Because of this, you may notice a slight increase in price on purchases made through the website.  This increase is not an indication of fraud.  To learn more about the recent change, watch  Governor Daugaurd’s State of the State Address.

Join us as AARP SD hosts TEK seminars across the state this month to help you increase your cybersecurity in the digital world.  Find out more about these classes on our events page. To request a TEK presentation in your community, contact us at  sdaarp@aarp.org.

If you think you’ve been the victim of cyber fraud, contact the SD Division of Consumer Protection by visiting  www.consumer.sd.gov or calling 1-800-300-1986.

 

*This advice should not be construed as an endorsement of any product or service but rather as a series of general tips to ensure financial security when using a retail service that may be familiar to all Americans.