The Better Business Bureau serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana wants Kentuckians and Hoosiers to know scammers are targeting people looking for exclusive bourbon bottles.
The nonprofit organization serving consumers and businesses said it is seeing an increase of reports of people buying bourbon and other spirits online, but no bottle ever gets delivered. Victims have reported losing hundreds of dollars to these websites.
To avoid losing money, BBB serving Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana recommends looking up any business on its website and watch out for deals that are too good to be true.
Tips below from a BBB release on how to avoid being scammed while shopping for bourbon online:
Know the advertiser or company. It’s easy for a fake website to appear legitimate, or even mimic a famous retailer’s site. Make sure you are shopping on a trusted company’s website. If the site is missing contact information, that is a red flag. If you want to purchase from a company or seller you are unfamiliar with, check their profiles first at bbb.org.
Check a website’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL should start with HTTPS:// and include a lock icon on the purchase or shopping car page.
Be a savvy shopper. Take the time to read any fine print before submitting your order. Look for the return policy. Know before you buy!
Protect your personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy so you know what personal data is being requested and how it will be used. No privacy policy? Consider that a red flag.
Beware of deals that are too good to be true. Simply put, name-brand products advertised at unbelievably low prices often indicate a scam. At the very least, you might be stuck paying hidden fees or inadvertently signing up for a monthly subscription.
Shop with a credit card. If a transaction proves to be fraudulent, a credit card provides additional protection, and it’s easier to dispute charges.
Source: WAVE
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