Those back-to-school tech deals might be too good to be true: BBB
Posted August 16, 2021 9:39 am.
CALGARY – The Better Business Bureau is warning back to school shoppers about potentially fraudulent tech items being sold online.
As parents and students start to collect supplies for the upcoming semester, the BBB urges you to make sure you’re doing your due diligence if you’re buying something secondhand online.
“Many students are required to have digital learning tools such as laptops,” said Mary O’Sullivan-Andersen with the BBB.
“This type of demand, unfortunately, also creates a context where there can be an increased risk of being scammed.”
She also notes that microchip shortages are impacting the supply of tech tools and that some Canadians may become more desperate for deals as they shop.
When it comes to things like laptops, tablets, headphones, and other gadgets, the BBB encourages you to stick to retailers and avoid places like Kijiji or Craiglist.
The organization also says to be really critical of the places you shop online, as some scammers may use logos or other hallmarks of trusted brands in an effort to fool you.
And as always, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
