The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about an online scam promoting fake deals for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 PRO, and the new PlayStation 5.
Scammers are advertising gaming consoles at reduced prices online and accepting purchases through PayPal and other payment methods.
Consumers who receive a package at all from the company, don’t receive the gaming console. Instead, the package contains a valueless phone cover or similar small object.
Since you technically received a shipment, you will be unable to contest the purchase with the third-party who processed the payment.
Attempts to contact the company are useless. No one answers your phone calls or emails.
The Better Business Bureau recommends the following tips for avoiding this and other scams:
Research the Company
- It’s best to purchase items from sellers you already know and trust, but if you decide to purchase from an unfamiliar online store, do your homework first.
- Read as many customer reviews as you can find, look up the business on org, and do an online search with the company’s name followed by the word “scam” to see if you find any complaints.
- Make sure the company has legitimate customer service contact information (not just a form you have to fill out and hope for a response) and clear return and refund policies as well.
Avoid Impulse Buying
- Scammers like to draw people in with “flash sales” and “limited time offers” in hopes you will hand over your money on impulse. Resist the urge.
Don’t Believe ‘Too Good to be True’ Prices
- Before you start shopping, find out the price of the gaming console at a major retailer.
- You can check prices online to get a general idea of what the console is selling for.
- Keep that price in mind as you shop and be wary of sellers who offer the product at a steeply discounted price.
- You could end up spending money on a defective or counterfeit product, or no product at all!
Photo on VisualHunt.com
