Recently, Rob Gilbert attempted to make some online purchases for himself and select gifts for his mother’s birthday after clicking on an advertisement for a well-known retailer.

However, during checkout, he received a message saying “card declined.”

Initially, he didn’t think much of it since it was a new card and he had forgotten the code on the back. Instead, he used his debit card number, saved on his phone, to complete the transaction.

Ultimately, it turned out that the card was not declined; he had fallen victim to a scam.

Both his cards were quickly used for unauthorized charges.

Scammers Creating Fake Websites

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is alerting consumers that there is a surge in reports similar to Gilbert’s being filed with its BBB Scam Tracker.

This is how the scam operates:

Consumers believe they are shopping on a genuine website or are redirected by an email or ad on social media to a shopping site. They usually input personal details such as their name, address, email, and payment information.

Subsequently, many customers receive a “card declined” notification or a message stating “your card did not go through for some reason.”

Thinking it may have been a mistake or that they lack sufficient funds, many often resort to using a different payment method.

Afterwards, many report receiving genuine notifications via email or text from their card provider regarding unauthorized transactions on their accounts.

Gilbert, who also shared his experience with the BBB, noted that while his first card was declined, his second card successfully processed the order, complete with order and tracking details. Later, he was alerted to charges totaling $74 on both cards.

His card issuer promptly canceled both cards and refunded the fraudulent charges.

Other individuals who reported similar scams to the BBB mentioned being charged $200 and $2,500 fraudulently.

“If your card is declined while shopping online, try not to immediately switch to a different card,” warned BBB spokesperson Melanie McGovern to YSL News. “Instead, contact your bank to check for any issues.”

McGovern advised keeping an eye on your credit card statements for unusual activity and to report any suspicious findings to the BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Tips to Sidestep Online Shopping Scams

Here are some helpful suggestions from the BBB to protect yourself from online scams:

• Confirm the legitimacy of the website: Scammers often design counterfeit websites to deceive shoppers into believing they are purchasing from a genuine company. Carefully check the URL; it may contain typos, and ensure the site is secure by looking for “https://” in front of the web address.
• Be cautious of fraudulent emails, texts, and advertisements: Scammers frequently mimic businesses in deceptive emails, texts, and social media promotions. Avoid trusting unsolicited messages, and always verify links before clicking. If uncertain, conduct a search for the company’s legitimate website.
• Don’t be tempted by too-good-to-be-true deals: If an offer seems excessively appealing, it might be a scam. Compare prices for the item you want.
• Investigate the business before purchasing. Look for customer feedback online and check the business on BBB.org. You can also look for the business on BBB Scam Tracker to see if it has been flagged for scams.
• Use a credit card for enhanced protection. Credit card providers generally offer better fraud protection, allowing you to contest unfamiliar charges made to your account.
• Understand your credit and debit card protections. Familiarize yourself with the protections available via your cards by reaching out to your bank or reviewing the terms. You can also set spending caps, traveling limits, and notifications for transactions.