The holiday rush is on and like many people, everyone is looking for a way to save. However, in our rush to save a buck, we may overlook some things that need our attention.
Most people are aware to shop online are reputable retailers, use only secure servers, and keep their personal information private. But did you know some of these so called reputable retailers may be profiting from your personal information?
The United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has just exposed a massive Web scam that has cost online shoppers more than $1.4 billion.
Some of the retailers in on this scam include:
1-800-flowers Avon Pizza Hut Yahoo Priceline
1-800- petmeds Barnes & Noble Victoria's Secret Time Life Orbitz
How it works:
While going through the usual checkout process, customers are tricked into signing up for “useless membership clubs with names like Reservation Rewards or ValueMax Shopping Service. (Such clubs can charge an unwitting member’s credit card $10 to $20 per month.)"
"...consumers are shown offers promising cash back rewards that appear to be related to the transaction they are trying to complete. The committee’s investigators found that, “Misleading ‘Yes’ and ‘Continue’ buttons cause consumers to reasonably think they are completing the original transaction, rather than entering into a new, ongoing financial relationship with a membership club.” The retailer then transfers your credit card information to the membership club, which charges you the membership fees.
When shopping online, beware of those cash back rewards or any POP UP OFFERS! Even though they may only ask for your email, the retailer they are working with will give them more than you bargained for! Just say NO!!!
for more information: Consumer Reports
