The most common scam warning signs include urgent payment requests, fake websites with misspelled URLs, phishing emails asking for personal information, unexpected phone calls claiming to be from your bank or a tech company, deals that seem too good to be true, and requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, pretending your account is at risk or a limited-time offer is about to expire. Legitimate businesses rarely ask for sensitive

Fake customer support numbers are often found in online ads, pop-ups, social media posts, or unofficial websites. Always verify contact details through a company’s official website before calling. Be cautious if a representative asks for passwords, one-time codes, remote access, or payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Scammers often create urgency and pressure you to act quickly. If something feels suspicious, hang up and contact the company directly using verified information.

Keep order confirmation emails, payment receipts and transaction records, screenshots of the product page and checkout, delivery tracking numbers, photos or videos of the item and packaging, and all communication with the seller. These records prove what you ordered, what you paid, and what arrived (or didn’t). Strong documentation is critical because merchants, banks, and dispute platforms rely on clear proof to investigate and rule in your favor. Without it, even valid online shopping disputes

If you have discovered unauthorized charges on your credit card, act quickly. Call your card issuer immediately — the number is on the back of your card or on their app — and report the charge as fraudulent or unauthorized. Your issuer will open a formal dispute, issue a temporary credit while they investigate, and typically resolve the matter within 30 to 60 days. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), your liability for unauthorized charges is legally limited to $50, and most major card