Rossen Reports: Beware of this scam during Target and Amazon sale events
As major shopping events approach, Jeff Rossen warns of common scams to avoid.
Updated: October 2, 2024, 2:15 PM CDT
With Target Circle Week, Amazon Prime Day, and the Walmart shopping holiday resuming next week, it’s important to be aware of potential scams when shopping online. Rossen Reports highlights three common scams to watch out for. Membership Scam In this scam, you receive a text or email claiming that there is a problem with your account or membership and that you need to click on a link to update your payment information. Do not click on that link as it may be a phishing attempt. Instead, go directly to the company’s website and log into your account. If you have a real problem, you’ll find it there. Fake Social Media Ads In this scam, you will see social media posts promoting amazing deals. You are directed to a website that looks very genuine, but we now know that scammers can create fraudulent websites that look legitimate. Always double-check the URL of the website you’re visiting and make sure it starts with “HTTPS” to ensure it’s secure. Third-Party Seller Scams Beware of third-party sellers on sites like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Most are legitimate, but some may try to scam you. Always research sellers, read reviews, and never pay anywhere other than the official website. If a seller tries to direct you to a third-party platform, that’s a red flag that you may be getting scammed. Have a question for Jeff Rossen? He answers consumer questions every Friday in his new segment, “Rossen Responds.” If you have any questions, please email RossenResponds@hearst.com. Want bonus content and special deals? Sign up for our free newsletter at RossenReports.com.
With Target Circle Week, Amazon Prime Day, and the Walmart shopping holiday resuming next week, it’s important to be aware of potential scams when shopping online. Rossen Reports highlights three common scams to watch out for.
member fraud
In this scam, you receive a text or email claiming that there is a problem with your account or membership and that you need to click on a link to update your payment information. Do not click on that link as it may be a phishing attempt. Instead, go directly to the company’s website and log into your account. If you have a real problem, you’ll find it there.
fake social media ads
In this scam, posts appear on social media promoting amazing deals. You are directed to a website that looks very genuine, but we now know that scammers can create fraudulent websites that look legitimate. Always double-check the URL of the website you’re visiting and make sure it starts with “HTTPS” to ensure it’s secure.
Third party seller fraud
Be wary of third-party sellers on sites like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Most are legitimate, but some may try to scam you. Always research sellers, read reviews, and never pay anywhere other than the official website. If a seller tries to direct you to a third-party platform, that’s an immediate red flag that you may be getting scammed.
Have a question for Jeff Rossen? He answers consumer questions every Friday in a new segment, “Rossen Responds.” If you have any questions, please email RossenResponds@hearst.com.
Want bonus content and special deals? Sign up for our free newsletter at RossenReports.com.
