Grey County OPP are warning residents to beware of e-commerce scams.
Residents need to learn how to recognize and reject fraudulent offers such as continuity scams.
The scams largely take place through a pop-up or online ad offering a free gift or free trial after answering a survey.
Consumers are asked to provide their credit card to pay for shipping and handling.
And unless victims review the terms and conditions, they will not notice the hidden fees and overpriced monthly charges that are nearly impossible to cancel.
The scams offer things like weight loss pills or acai berries.
Victims may receive their product, but then they may be subject to credit card charges up to $1,000, sometimes several times a month.
In order to stop the fraud, victims should contact the suspected company requesting a stop payment and keep records of all correspondence. Victims can also refuse delivery of goods and should contact their respective financial institution or credit card provider to request a chargeback due to fraud.
Warning Signs – How to Protect Yourself:
• Review all fine print and terms and conditions before making a purchase.
• Conduct open source searches to see if anybody has suggested the offer is a scam.
• Beware of paid advertisements online. Paid banner ads are not always affiliated to the website you are viewing.
• Review credit card statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at http://www.antifraudcentre.ca.
