Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird recently announced five strategies for Iowans to follow to prevent falling victim to online shopping scams. Online shopping scams are the second most prevalent fraud in the US, with estimated losses of $8.8 billion reported last year due to fraud. Bird says, “While we’re all taking advantage of the online shopping deals this season, so are the scammers. Online shopping scams are on the rise, and it’s more important than ever that Iowans stay vigilant. To avoid scams, we recommend that Iowans shop local, learn how to recognize the red flags of a scam, and contact our office. We’re here to help.” Her first tip advises skepticism toward alluring discounts from unknown sources and to validate offers directly on official websites. Using credit cards over debit cards, enhancing password complexity, and being wary of phishing emails are also recommended. Additionally, Bird advised against making online purchases over public Wi-Fi networks and emphasized the importance of regularly monitoring financial statements. For more information, Iowans can visit the Iowa Attorney General’s website. Scams should be reported to the Consumer Protection Division at 888-777-4590.
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