ByAccording to the FBI, the identified websites offer a wide range of products at seemingly attractive prices. However, once an unsuspecting victim makes a purchase, they typically receive counterfeit or inferior goods, or no products at all. The scammers often create fake online stores that appear legitimate but are designed to deceive consumers.
To date, the FBI has not released a specific list of affected websites. However, they urge users to be vigilant and to thoroughly research any online retailer before making a purchase. Scammers may change their tactics and use new websites to avoid detection.
Dr. Brandon Wales, Chief Information Security Officer for the FBI, advises users to:
The FBI is actively investigating the online shopping scams and working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. They encourage victims to report any incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
To safeguard against online shopping scams, users are advised to follow these additional precautions:
The FBI emphasizes that online shopping can be a convenient and rewarding experience, but it requires vigilance and awareness of potential risks. By following these guidelines, users can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent activity.
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