Fighting Fraud
By BBB, Cleveland
July means mid-summer, and with it comes one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Between competing “Black Friday in July” blowouts and mid-summer clearance events, the internet is flooded with deep discounts. It’s a fantastic time to score a deal on items you’ve been eyeing, but there’s a catch: Online scammers look forward to July just as much as bargain hunters do.
When millions of people are rushing to click “Buy Now,” fraudsters use the chaotic environment to slip through the cracks. They rely on speed, distraction, and our natural desire to save a dollar. Fortunately, staying safe doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. By keeping an eye out for a few common summer sales traps, you can protect your hard-earned savings.
Three Summer Sale Scams to Watch For
Scammers have updated their toolkits for the 2026 shopping season. Here are the most common tricks popping up on smartphones and computers right now:
- The Phony Delivery Text: You might receive a text message claiming a package you ordered is delayed, held at a warehouse, or requires a small “$1.50 fee” to release. Because many of us are expecting packages in July, it’s easy to accidentally click these links.
- Lookalike Social Media Ads: While scrolling through Facebook or Instagram, you might see an ad for a beloved brand offering an unbelievable 80% off clearance sale. Clicking the ad takes you to a website that looks identical to the real store, but it’s a complete counterfeit designed to steal your credit card number.
- Fake “Countdown” Clocks: Sneaky websites use artificial pressure, like flashing red timers that say “This deal expires in 4 minutes!” or alerts saying “Only 2 items left!” This high-pressure tactic is designed to make you panic and check out before you have time to investigate if the business is legitimate.
BBB Tips for Safe Digital Shopping
You don’t need to be a computer tech genius to outsmart online scammers. Memorize these three practical rules to instantly lower your risk:
1. Inspect the URL (Web Address) Very Closely
Before entering any personal information, look at the very top of your internet browser at the web address. Scammers love to use “typosquatting,” slightly misspelling a famous brand’s name to fool you (like Walmart-Deals.com or Amma-zon.net). If the name looks even slightly strange, close the window. Additionally, look for the https:// at the very beginning of the web address and the small padlock icon next to it. The “s” stands for secure, meaning the site encrypts your data.
2. Pay ONLY with a Credit Card
When shopping online, put your debit card away and never use wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Zelle to buy from an unfamiliar seller.
Why it matters: Under federal law, credit cards offer robust fraud protection. If you buy something from a scam website using a credit card, you can dispute the charge, and the bank will typically wipe it out. If you use a debit card, the money is pulled directly out of your actual bank account, making it much harder and sometimes impossible to get back.
3. Take a Breath Before You Buy
If a deal seems too good to be true, it almost always is. If a brand-new iPad or a luxury designer purse is being advertised for $29, your alarm bells should go off. Take a moment to visit BBB.org, search for the company name, and check their letter grade and customer reviews before handing over your information.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and reduce the effectiveness of scammers’ favorite tactics. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
