Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection are warning Montanans about fraudsters creating spoof websites that look nearly identical to legitimate businesses in order to steal personal and financial information.
The warning highlights two common schemes. In the first, scammers — primarily based overseas — post fake product listings on social media marketplaces. When a buyer reaches out, the scammer provides fraudulent documents and directs the victim to a fake website to wire payment for a product that does not exist. In the second, fraudsters build near-perfect replicas of real business websites using similar web addresses, tricking victims into entering their bank account information to purchase items that will never arrive. Warning signs of fraudulent sites include placeholder pricing such as rare collector cars listed at $12,345, ghost showrooms that show items as sold out while still advertising on social media, and hidden or missing contact information.
“Fraudsters are getting more creative and finding new ways online to steal Montanans’ hard-earned money,” Knudsen said. “Before you make an online purchase remember: Stop. Check. Protect.”
The attorney general offered several tips to avoid falling victim. Verify the company before purchasing through social media and confirm the website is secure before entering payment information. Use a credit card for online purchases — not wire transfers or gift cards, which are hallmarks of scam operations — so charges can be disputed if needed. Physically inspect high-value items before buying. Always double-check that you are on the correct, verified website address.
Montanans who believe they have encountered a spoof website or fallen victim to an online scam can report it to OCP online at dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection, by email at [email protected], or by phone at (406) 444-4500 or toll-free at (800) 481-6896. The office can also work to have fraudulent websites taken down.