Scam Type
Online Purchase Scam
Business Name Used
Ginnyung
Date Reported
Sep 09, 2022
Victim Postal Code
23602
Total Dollars Lost
79
Scam Description
My doctors want me to use a motorized wheelchair but, even with my Medicare Advantage Plan, I still have to pay close to $1,000 out of pocket. When an ad for a foldable, portable electric scooter came up while I was on Facebook, I went to the website to check it out. It was just what I’ve been wanting. When I saw that it was only $49.99, I was amazed.(normally, I would have immediately been suspicious upon seeing the price, but I desperately wanted it to be legit and I pushed my reservations aside). Still, I decided to sleep on it before ordering it. The next morning I went online (I had saved the ad to my homescreen) and discovered that the price had been reduced to $39! So, I ordered 2 so that I could give one to a close friend who’s been wanting one. As soon as I submitted my order, my brain woke up and asked me why I hadn’t checked out the website to confirm that I was ordering from a legitimate merchant before giving them my money (not to mention my personal info). So, I immediately typed in the website’s address. Surprise! Links running up and down the page all screamed, “This site is a scam!” Most were accompanied by personal experiences. The site encourages you to click on the email address, for more info or details. Don’t! Type the address yourself because the link will likely take you to a page that will plant a virus or access your personal info without your knowledge. I have contacted my bank to dispute the transaction and they have refunded my money while they launch an investigation.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM
If you are a victim of an online shopping scam, the FBI recommends taking the following actions:
- Report the activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or your local FBI field office, which can be located at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices.
- Report the activity to the online payment service used for the financial transaction.
- Contact your financial institution immediately upon discovering any fraudulent or suspicious activity and direct them to stop or reverse the transactions.
- Ask your financial institution to contact the corresponding financial institution where the fraudulent or suspicious transfer was sent.
If you believe you are the victim of an Internet scam or cyber crime, or if you want to report suspicious activity, please visit the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.