At SMP Hawaii, we are committed to helping kūpuna and their families stay safe — not just from Medicare scams, but also from growing risks online. While shopping from the comfort of your home is convenient, it also opens the door to fraud if you’re not cautious.
Online purchase scams are among the top three riskiest scams reported to the Better Business Bureau, with nearly 79% of victims losing money in 2020. To help keep you and your loved ones safe, here are 7 warning signs to watch for when shopping online.
A big red flag is an extremely low price for a popular brand or product. Scammers often lure victims with deep discounts on fake or non-existent items. You might receive counterfeit goods — or nothing at all.
Tip: Always compare prices across trusted websites and be skeptical of unusually low deals.
Scam websites may use URLs that look similar to real brands but include typos or odd domain endings like .bargain or .shop. Also, look for HTTPS (not just HTTP) at the beginning of the web address — this shows the site is secure
Tip: Double-check the URL and don’t shop on websites with strange spellings or missing information.
Scam sites often pop up and disappear quickly. If the website has no “About” page, contact info, or return policy, or if it was recently registered, proceed with caution.
Tip: Use a “domain age checker” online to see when the site was created.
Legitimate businesses typically accept credit or debit cards. Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay with:
Gift cards
Wire transfers
Payment apps like Cash App or Zelle (especially if asked to send as a “friend”)
Cryptocurrency
Tip: Use payment methods with fraud protection, like credit cards.
Some scam sites use countdown clocks or warnings about low stock to create urgency. This is a psychological trick to rush your decision.
Tip: Always take time to review before making a purchase — real deals don’t disappear in minutes.
You should never be required to provide your Social Security number, bank account info, or full date of birth to make a purchase. This is a red flag for identity theft.
Tip: Only share the minimum details needed to place your order — and never download an app just to shop.
Scammers often promote fake stores on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. They may ask you to DM your address and send money through a payment app — without ever delivering your purchase.
Tip: Before buying, research the seller, check for reviews, and avoid transactions done solely through messaging apps.
When in doubt, pause before clicking “Buy.” Always verify the seller, use secure payment options, and remember: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If you believe you or a loved one has been scammed:
📞 Call SMP Hawaii at 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit www.smphawaii.org
Stay alert. Shop smart. Together, we can protect Hawai‘i’s kūpuna from online scams.
