Holiday Online Shopping Scams and What to Watch For

Holiday shopping season brings great deals, but also a surge in online scams. Fraudsters use fake ads and websites disguised as trusted retailers to lure shoppers into entering their payment information. One recent example involved an ad offering high end boots at 75% off through what looked like a major sporting goods store. The ad looked real, but the URL wasn’t and it was a scam.

At Five Points Bank, your financial safety comes first. Here’s how to spot fake websites before you buy and what to do if you realize you’ve been scammed.

How to Tell If a Website Is Legitimate

1. Double-Check the URL

Fake sites often use:

• Misspelled brand names
• Extra words, numbers, or dashes
• Strange domain endings like .shop, .vip, .store, .co
• If the URL looks even slightly off, stop.

2. Look for HTTPS + the Lock Icon

• The address should start with https:// and include a lock symbol.
• No lock = Do not enter payment details.

3. Confirm the Deal Through the Retailer

Before clicking an ad:

• Check the retailer’s official website or verified social pages
• Compare prices with other stores
• Read comments,people often call out scams quickly
• If a deal looks dramatically better than everywhere else, be careful.

4. Check for Real Contact Information

Legitimate sites list:

• A phone number
• A physical address
• A clear return policy
• Scam sites often have little or no contact information at all.

5. Watch for Typos or Low-Quality Design

Common scam giveaways:

• Grammar mistakes
• Blurry photos
• Inconsistent branding
• If the page feels “off,” trust your instincts.

What to Do if You Fall for a Scam

1.  Contact Five Points Bank Immediately: We can freeze your card, stop fraudulent charges, and issue a new card.
2.  Change Any Reused Passwords: If you created an account or reused a password, change it right away.
3.  Monitor Your Account: Watch for...
   1. Small “test” charges
   2. Unfamiliar transactions
   3. Report anything suspicious immediately.
4.  Save All Information: Keep screenshots of...
   1. The scam ad
   2. The URL
   3. Emails
   4. Any charges
5.  Report the Scam: Submit it at ReportFraud.FTC.gov to help protect other consumers.

Five Points Bank Is Here to Help. Online shopping should be fun, not risky. If you ever have doubts about a website, ad, or transaction, reach out to us. We’re here to help keep your information and your accounts safe all year long.