It’s the one thing parents dread most at the holidays: the List.
And the reason is because there is always at least one popular but impossible-to-find toy every year that all the kids want. This year it’s Fingerlings, the cute finger-puppet monkeys. Unfortunately, the fact that they have sold out in many stores has turned them into bait for scammers.
Con artists are selling counterfeit Fingerlings or simply making sales they don’t plan to fulfill.
How does the scam work? You may want to purchase Fingerlings for your children or grandkids, but they seem to be sold out at every store you visit. Instead, you decide to search online. You come across a website, perhaps by clicking on a Facebook ad or other advertisement. The site may seem legitimate and feature images of the original toy. The company may even promise fast shipping. However, many unscrupulous e-commerce sites have been scamming buyers.
In the past month, BBB Scam Tracker has received nearly 20 reports of Fingerling scams. When their order doesn’t arrive, consumers report being unable to contact the company by phone or email. Others, who receive counterfeit toys, are told that getting a refund is impossible.
Tips to avoid the Fingerling scam:
Only purchase from reputable retailers. Knowing the seller is the best way to avoid getting scammed. It is best to buy products directly from the manufacturer or authorized resellers.
Beware of unreasonably low prices. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. An extra low price, especially when toys are sold out at many well-known retailers, should be a red flag. Low prices are often a sign of counterfeit products.
Be cautious with your personal information. Don’t be quick to give out your name and credit card information to an unfamiliar company. First, call the provided customer service number to make sure it works and someone can answer your questions about products, payment and shipping.
Review BBB online shopping tips. Many online purchase scams use similar tactics. See https://www.bbb.org/shoppingonline for more advice.
Make your holidays merry and bright by becoming informed about holiday scams and keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket. To read more about counterfeit product scams go to https://www.bbb.org/counterfeitscam.
And to learn more about scams, in general, go to BBB Scam Tips (https://www.bbb.org/scamtips). Or to report a scam, go to BBB Scam Tracker (https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us).
Kelvin Collins is president/CEO of the Better Business Bureau office serving the Fall Line Corridor, including 83 counties in portions of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. Questions or complaints about a company or charity should be referred to the BBB at 1-800-763-4222, www.bbb.org or by email to info@centralgeorgia.bbb.org.
This story was originally published December 11, 2017 12:33 PM.