By Better Business Bureau

As Halloween approaches, BBB reminds shoppers to keep the holiday full of treats, and not tricks!

According to the 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, online purchase scams were the fourth riskiest scam in Canada, making up nearly one-third of all reports. Counterfeit product scams ranked ninth. These scams often spike during holidays like Halloween, when shoppers are hunting for costumes, candy and decorations at bargain prices.

How the scams work:

Fake websites and ads. Fraudsters set up websites that mimic legitimate retailers, promoting steep ‘clearance’ or ‘90% off’ deals on popular costumes. Many of these appear as social media ads. After payment, consumers either receive nothing, or a cheap knockoff. To boost credibility, scammers often steal photos and reviews from real sellers.

One consumer told BBB Scam Tracker: “I wanted to buy a Halloween costume, I found their website and bought a Freddy Kruger costume, I later found out the reviews and photos on the website were stolen from peoples’ [social] media profiles… I haven’t received a tracking number, I tried calling but the phone call goes straight to voicemail and I tried sending an email but no reply.”

Misleading products and overcharges. Other scams involve fraudulent sites that advertise premium-quality costumes but deliver poor-quality goods, or nothing at all. In some cases, consumers are charged more than advertised.

One shopper reported: “I used the [company name redacted] clearance outlet website to purchase Halloween discounted products. Supposedly the products come from [the] USA, everything is in USD. The tracking number I received initially was from China. I got charged more in my bank account [and] never received any product. Every attempt to contact them for a refund was ignored.”

BBB’s tips to avoid Halloween shopping scams:

• Research before you buy.Search for the business at org to check reviews, complaints, or warnings. Look for clear contact information, a real address, and active customer service. Beware of sites with no history or only overly glowing reviews.
• Stick to reputable websites.Website checkers, such as Google’s Safe Browsing tool, can help you verify a website, whether a website is safe to visit. If an ad tempts you, go directly to the retailer’s official website instead of clicking links.
• Use secure payment methods.Use credit cards or other secure payment methods that offer fraud protection. Avoid wire transfers or unusual payment options. If your bank flags a suspicious charge, contact them immediately.

Fall for a scam or narrowly avoid one? There is power in telling your story. Report your personal experiences to BBB Scam Tracker, Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or your local police.

e-KNOW file photo

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