Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.
Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.

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877-508-0433Good People Deserve Good Lawyers. ®

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Good People Deserve Good Lawyers. ®

FTC warns that online overstock scams are prevalent

While the end of the year has always been known as the season of giving, the close of 2013 seems to have become the season of online scams. Las Vegas consumers who are not diligent in their research of a virtual retailer prior to making a purchase may end up being the victim of a rip-off scheme.

While fraudulent businesses are nothing new, the way that they go about duping customers is continually evolving. According to reports by the Better Business Bureau, one of the newest scams involves businesses pretending to be associated with the online discount retailer Overstock.com in an effort to get gain and piggyback off of the success of the well-known merchant.

The Better Business Bureau indicated that these companies, many of which have been shut down by the Federal Trade Commission, unlawfully use the logo of Overstock.com and direct shoppers to their legitimate website. In many cases, companies that will use deceptive trade practices to lure in consumers will also engage in illegal behavior to swindle those customers out of money.

While Overstock.com will have to decide if they want to seek a business litigation attorney to protect their interests and go after these companies, the Better Business Bureau suggests that the best way for consumers to defend themselves from fraud is by going directly to websites instead of being rerouted via links.

If you believe that you were taken advantage of by a fraudulent company, you may be able to seek the guidance you need by turning to an attorney.

Source: WCPO Cincinnati, “Better Business Bureau warns of fake Overstock.com websites duping holiday shoppers,” John Matarese and Maxim Alter, Dec. 17, 2013.

John P. Aldrich
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