The Attorney General provides Consumer Alerts to inform the public of unfair, misleading, or deceptive business practices, and to provide information and guidance on other issues of concern. Consumer Alerts are not legal advice, legal authority, or a binding legal opinion from the Department of Attorney General.
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Have you ever bought something online because a pop-up suggested that the item was nearly sold out? Perhaps you’ve bought something under pressure of a timer that urged you to complete your purchase before the item is deleted from your cart? These common online selling tactics are called “dark patterns,” and they are used by online retailers to play on shoppers’ emotions and insecurities when shopping online. Don't be fooled!
Before shopping online, be sure to secure your computer or mobile device with up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Set your operating system and web browser to update automatically, ensuring your devices have the latest protections.
Use a pop-up blocker and do not open files, click on links, or download programs sent to you by strangers. Pop-ups are used to expose your devices to a virus.
If you shop online using public Wi-Fi, install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that will allow you to securely send and receive information on a shared or public network. And look for indicators that you are on a secure website before you send any personal information including account or payment information. Make sure the site you use has SSL (secure sockets layer) Encryption installed. You will know if it does because the site will start with HTTPS—instead of just HTTP. You should also see a locked padlock icon appearing to the left of the URL in the web address bar.
Finally, if you are shopping online using a mobile device, take steps to ensure the device and any personal information stored on it is secure if lost or stolen:
Online shopping is easy to love. What’s more fun than finding what you need and – after a few clicks and a short wait – having it show up at your door? Except when it doesn’t. Fake companies and identity thieves can turn the joy of buying into a nightmare.
The Better Business Bureau reports the most common place to find sites selling counterfeit goods is on social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, which share the same ad network. A study by two cybersecurity experts found that one in four Facebook ads for fashion and luxury goods are linked to websites selling counterfeits.
The International Trademark Association has warned consumers about shopping on social media and encourages anyone shopping online to check a brand’s list of authorized retailers and look for suspicious errors in the spelling of the brand name or trademark. Researchers report difficulty distinguishing real from fake items based on Instagram images, and even trademark holders of a brand have difficulty spotting a fake unless they actually buy the item. Read more online shopping tips in our Attorney General Consumer Alert, “Drop-shipping: What You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Online.”
And even if a product is not counterfeit, read the seller’s description carefully — especially the fine print. Is it “refurbished,” “vintage,” “gently used” or a “close out”? A bargain price may mean the item is in less-than-new condition.
To learn more about a product, brand or seller, type the name into a search engine with words like “review,” “complaint” or “scam.” You can also check out a company by contacting the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team or by searching the Better Business Bureau’s website.
In addition to shopping on a secure website, never use text or email to send your personal or financial information like your credit card, checking account, or Social Security Number — it is not secure. Give as little personal information as possible when you place an order. Some sites sell your information to other merchants, direct marketers, and even telemarketers.
Know where your personal information is going and how the company will protect your personal and financial information. You should be able to learn both by reading the company’s privacy policy. If you cannot find it, or you cannot understand it, consider ordering from a more user-friendly site.
Uncheck any box that allows the seller to share any of your information or that signs you up to receive more offers or communication from the seller other than updates about your order. (You can also do a control/find search for “opt out” language in any terms of an agreement or posted privacy policies.)
Making an online purchase requires providing your email to the retailer so they can send confirmation, receipt, and tracking information. They also use this information to send promotional material, discounts, and coupons. Retailers are often affiliated with other companies and will share your email with them, increasing the amount of emails you receive.
Creating a separate email account for online purchases will keep your inbox less cluttered and help you locate and organize specific topics. If you start to get too many emails or no longer need it, you can easily delete the account and no longer receive future communications from those vendors.
To report fraud or if you have a general consumer complaint, contact the Michigan Attorney General. Consumers may contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team at:
Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form