I recently received this email from Almyra S. Here’s what she’s asking:
Hello Kurt, I have a question for you. Do you know if Cyrus online shopping is real? Or is it a fake… the things they have are super cheap. Like I mean, a laptop for $9.99, a TV , same price for a small one. I have to tell you, I bought several things from them over a month ago. Was supposed to get them a long time ago. Haven’t tried contacting their customer service yet to find out what’s going on.” – Almyra S. [shortened from original]
It’s always important to be cautious when shopping online, especially if a deal seems too good to be true. I tried finding a website by the name Cyrus that sold electronics like TVs and laptops, as Almyra mentioned. However, after doing a Google search and trying to search for it through the Better Business Bureau website, I couldn’t find it. So, unfortunately, ‘Cyrus online shopping’ isn’t sounding as legit as we would like.
This is all too common, as the BBB reported that 37% of the complaints they’ve received in the last year have been shopping scams. That’s why I’m giving some tips to help you carefully vet an online store and shop safely.
1. Check for website security
Always look for the lock icon in the browser address bar, indicating that the website is using a secure connection. While the padlock icon indicates that the site is using a secure connection, it does not necessarily mean that the site (or the individual you are dealing with) is legitimate. You can also check the website’s URL to see if it starts with “https” instead of “http”, which would also indicate a secure connection.
2. Research the store
Do a quick online search for the store’s name and look for reviews and complaints from other customers. You should also check the Better Business Bureau website to see if the store has a rating or any complaints. If you see a lot of negative reviews and comments, don’t trust them.
3. Check the contact information
Make sure the store has a physical address and phone number listed on its website. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy, try doing a search on google maps to see if the store comes up. If the address is local to you, you can even do a quick drive-by to see if the store looks legit.
4. Look for customer service
Legitimate online stores will have a customer service email or chat feature. Try contacting the store’s customer service with any questions or concerns before making a purchase. If you cannot get through or you cannot find a way to speak with a human representative rather than a bot, then you should probably move on.
5. Compare prices
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices with other online stores to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. There are apps you can use for comparing prices, such as Amazon Shopping or Flipp, or you can simply do a Google Search and visit other stores’ websites.
6. Be cautious with payment
Only make payments through secure payment methods, such as credit cards or PayPal. Avoid making payments through wire transfers or prepaid cards, which can be difficult to trace and recover if there’s an issue with your purchase. You should also avoid payments from apps like Venmo or Zelle.
7. Look up the business with trusted scam tools
Websites like the Better Business Bureau are designed to help you figure out the legitimacy of a business. Use them to look up the business you’re questioning.
8. Trust your instincts
Ultimately, your instincts are never wrong. If something seems off or too good to be true, listen to your gut and proceed with caution.
What other resources can I use to protect myself?
Besides the BBB, you can also use IdentityTheft.org or call 877-438-4338 if you feel that your identity has been stolen or misused. Identity theft that has been made online can also be reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Use identify theft protection: If you want additional layers of protection, handholding, and recovery against identity theft, companies such as my #1 pick, Identity Guard can help.
- Identity Guard monitors your Social Security Number (SSN) and alerts you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.
- They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.
- One of Identity Guard’s best features is its White Glove Fraud resolution team. This service provides a US-based White Glove case manager (an actual person) to help you recover your identity should it be stolen. You can work with this case manager to recover any losses associated with the identity theft you experience.
- In addition, Identity Guard is backed by $1 million identity theft insurance to cover losses, legal fees, and more.
Click here to read my review of best Identity Theft protection.
Have good antivirus software on all your devices: The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing email or ransomware scams. My top pick is TotalAV, and you can get a limited-time deal for CyberGuy readers: $19 your first year (80% off) for the TotalAV Antivirus Pro package.
Have you seen these online store scams? Do you have any other tips we may have missed? Let us know.
Related:
🛍️ SHOPPING GUIDES:
KIDS | MEN | WOMEN | TEENS | PETS |
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE:
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DEVICES:
LAPTOPS | TABLETS | PRINTERS | DESKTOPS | MONITORS | EARBUDS | HEADPHONES | KINDLES | SOUNDBARS | KINDLES | DRONES |
ACCESSORIES:
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PERSONAL GIFTS:
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SECURITY
ANTIVIRUS | VPN | SECURE EMAIL |
CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THESE: