Scam Alert: Looking for This Seasons Hot Toy? Beware of Scams

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas Its the one thing parents dread most at the holidays: The List. Because there is always at least one popular-but-impossible-to-find toy every year that all the kids want. This year its 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 dont plan to fulfill. How the Scam Works: You want to purchase Fingerlings for your kids or grand kids 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 very fast shipping. However many unscrupulous e-commerce sites have been scamming buyers. According to BBB Scam Tracker consumers report being unable to contact the company by phone or email when their order doesnt arrive. I sent 4 emails to them no response. The phone number goes directly to a voicemail wrote one victim who hasnt received the Fingerlings they ordered in October. Others were shipped counterfeit or incorrect products and were unable to get a refund.  One victim reported receiving toys but they are NOT Fingerlings. They are Funny Monkeys. And although they look like Fingerlings they dont do much of anything but make annoying sounds. 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 re-sellers.
• 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. Dont 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 BBB.org/shoppingonline for more advice.

To learn more about scams go to BBB Scam Tips (BBB.org/scamtips). To report a scam go to BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/scamtracker).