Most consumers utilize smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers to access the internet in order to shop for and purchase items that they want and need. These modern tools allow customers to find the right products and communicate with sellers quickly. Indeed, modern technology has significantly advanced the way we shop. However, as with most technological advances, there are drawbacks. Shopping online exposes us to bad actors who will try to trick unsuspecting shoppers into sharing their financial and personal information. Here are some tips to spot and avoid fraud.

How to Spot Email Fraud

A common way that bad actors will attempt to steal sensitive information is by impersonating legitimate companies via email. A good rule of thumb is to be suspicious of all emails. If you are expecting an email from a company with an order confirmation or tracking information, then you can be less wary when you receive such messages. However, check to be sure that the sender's email address is legitimate before clicking on any links in the email.

If you aren't expecting an email from a company, be very wary. A spoofing attack is a tactic utilized by internet scammers to impersonate a company with whom you have probably already done business. They will send you an invoice, try to get you to click on a link, or indicate in the email message that there is a problem with your account. Keep your spam filter on your email set to high, and don't click on any links or open any attachments that seem suspicious. Don't assume that just because the email features the company's logo or familiar branding that it's a legitimate email. Scammers will copy these details to try to fool you.

If you suspect anything in an email isn't legitimate, go directly to the company's website and log in to your account from there. This ensures that you don't fall prey to misdirection when clicking on a scammer's link. Another option is to find the customer service number on the company's site and call them to confirm any information that you received via email.

How to Detect Phone Fraud

Another way that criminals can prey on consumers is by impersonating legitimate companies over the phone. When consumers make purchases online, they normally have to share a contact number before finalizing the sale. For this reason, many people find it natural that they may receive calls from companies with whom they do business.

In actuality, companies rarely need to call shoppers regarding their purchases. If you receive a call asking you to confirm sensitive information or indicating that there is a problem with your payment method, do not hit any buttons or call back using the number the caller provides. Go to the company's website and call using the contact numbers provided on the site. By calling directly, you ensure that you are speaking to a legitimate representative from the company and not someone who is trying to exploit you.

Many states have do-not-call lists. By registering your number on these lists, you prevent phone solicitors from calling you. This is a good way to avoid scammers as it reduces the number of unknown calls that you receive. You may also utilize your smartphone's block call function to prevent callers that you have identified as scammers from calling again. However, these bad actors can call from many different numbers, so don't assume that blocking them once will keep them from calling back on another number. Also, don't assume that a call from your area code is legitimate. Many spoofing attacks are disguised as local callers.

Internet shopping is fast and convenient. However, you pay for that convenience by exposing yourself to potential fraud. If you choose to shop online and share personal information with companies, you need to prepare yourself for potential attacks from scammers and spoofers. By utilizing anti-fraud tools and treating incoming calls and emails with a healthy dose of suspicion, you should be able to see these bad actors coming.