How to spot an out-of-stock scam before losing money

With the holiday shopping season nearing its close and buyers wanting to get gifts delivered on time, there’s a crafty online shopping con being reported to BBB Scam Tracker. Scammers claim a product you purchased is out of stock, but they never process your promised refund.

How the scam works

You see a product online that you want to purchase (shoppers report encountering this scam through social media ads.) You click on the link to the company’s website, find the product, and check out. Shortly after your card is charged, you receive an email saying the product is out of stock and they will refund your money. You wait several days for the refund to post to your account, but it never does. Then, when you try to contact the online shop, no one responds. (Read More)

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