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Online shopping theft rose during pandemic

Aug 05, 2020 5:45 am
Larry Rulison is reporting for the Times Union the Federal Trade Commission said it received more complaints about online shopping during April and May than any other months on record. And the state Division of Consumer Protection has also reported a rise in consumer complaints over online shopping during the coronavirus pandemic. More than half of those who complained said they never received the products they ordered. During the second quarter, the FTC said it received 4,400 complaints from New Yorkers; 75 percent of those reporting they never received their orders. New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said, “Online shopping offers convenience and keeps us safe at home during these trying times, but we must be careful to whom we give our hard-earned money, especially online.” She suggested that consumers shop with retailers they already know and to beware of third-party vendors. She also said to comparison shop. Ted Potrikus, CEO of the Retail Council of New York State, said the pandemic has "brought out the worst" in online thieves. Read the full story in the Times Union.