Beware Of Counterfeit Websites Targeting Unsuspecting Montana Residents

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) are warning Montanans about fraudsters creating spoof websites that look nearly identical to legitimate websites to collect consumers’ personal and financial information. 

Knudsen said there are two popular scams that fraudsters use spoof websites to steal information. 

• Fraudsters, who are mainly based overseas, post marketplace advertisements on a social media platform for a product that doesn’t exist. When a potential buyer contacts the scammer to inquire about the product, the scammer provides fraudulent documents and directs the victim to a fake website to wire the money. 

• Fraudsters also create a replica of a legitimate business's website with a similar web address. A victim may attempt to purchase an item from that website, then ultimately enter their personal and bank account information into the fake website. 

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According to Knudsen, examples of fraudulent websites include placeholder pricing, such as rare collector cars listed at $12,345; ghost showrooms that say "sold out" yet the company lists items on social media; or hidden phone numbers and addresses. 

“Fraudsters are getting more creative and finding new ways online to steal Montanans’ hard-earned money. My advice to everyone is to pay close attention to the websites you visit and who you are sharing your financial information with,” Knudsen said. “Before you make an online purchase, remember: Stop. Check. Protect.” 

Knudsen shared the following tips and reminders to avoid falling victim to an internet scam: 

•  Verify the company before making a purchase through social media and ensure the website is secure before paying. 

• Use a credit card for online shopping so you can track your purchases and dispute any charges you didn’t make or don’t recognize with the credit card company. Do not use wire transfers or gift cards to make a payment. Anyone who asks you to pay using one of these methods is most likely a scammer. 

• Physically inspect the product before purchasing. For example, see the product before you buy it on social media. 

• Make sure you are using a verified website address.  

READ MORE: Craigslist Rental Scam Alert for Missoula Residents

Montanans can report any website scams to the Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection at https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection, contactocp@mt.gov, or (406) 444-4500 or toll free at (800) 481-6896. OCP can also work to get these fraudulent websites taken down.