Best Buy has made quite a name for itself in the retail tech industry. However, with that fame comes many scam artists looking to take advantage of customers.
This blog post will provide a complete list of scams you need to know about if you plan to shop at Best Buy!
Best Buy Scams In 2024
Criminals have many scams that involve Best Buy shoppers in 2024. Shoppers fall for fake websites and communications that look like they come from Best Buy. However, these counterfeit connections are used to steal Best Buy customers’ private information. Other scams promise shoppers perks like PS5 or iPad upgrades to get more customer information after a purchase.
Keep reading as we go over some of the most popular Best Buy scams, as well as how you can protect yourself from them!
1. PS5 Scam After Purchase
For the lucky few who have managed to get their hands on a PS5, beware of scammers trying to take advantage of the situation.
That said, there have been reports of scammers contacting people who have recently purchased a PS5 from Best Buy and offering to sell them an “upgrade” kit for a significantly higher price.
Of course, there is no such thing as an upgrade kit for the PS5, and if you fall for this scam, you’ll be out a lot of money with nothing to show for it.
2. iPad Scam
Similar to the PS5 scam, but instead of targeting people who have recently bought a PS5, scammers are reaching out to people who have recently purchased an iPad.
Further, they offer to sell them an “upgrade” kit for a higher price when there is no such thing as an upgrade kit for the iPad.
3. Best Buy Gift Card Scam
One of the most popular scams targeting Best Buy shoppers is the gift card scam, where scammers will contact people and offer to sell them a discounted Best Buy gift card.
Of course, these cards are fake, and if you try to use them, you’ll find them worthless.
4. Phony Online Best Buy Products
Many scams involve people selling fake or counterfeit products.
In fact, this is especially common with popular items in high demand, like the Nintendo Switch or the new iPhone.
Often, scammers will create fake websites that look like Best Buy and offer to sell people these products at a discounted price.
Of course, the products are never shipped, and people who fall for this scam lose a lot of money.
5. Best Buy Clickbait Spam
Lately, there’s been a lot of spam that features clickbait headlines like “You Won’t Believe What Happened When I Went To Best Buy!”
Usually, these spam emails contain a link to a fake website that looks like Best Buy.
Once you click the link, you’re taken to the website, where you’re asked to enter your personal information.
Of course, this information is then used by scammers to commit identity theft.
6. Fake Best Buy Invoice Or Renewal Bill
Another new scam that has been going around is especially tricky because it looks so real.
That said, scammers will send people an email that looks like it’s from Best Buy, with an invoice or renewal bill attached.
Generally, the email looks legitimate, and the attachment even has the Best Buy logo. However, if you open the attachment, you’ll see that it’s a virus that will infect your computer.
7. Fake Best Buy Sweepstakes
Often, scammers try to take advantage of people’s excitement by running fake sweepstakes and giveaways.
For example, they’ll create a fake website or email and promise people that they’ve won a big prize from Best Buy.
Of course, the only way to collect the prize is to provide your personal information or pay a fee.
But, there is no prize at the end of all this.
8. Fake Contact From Best Buy Geek Squad (Tech Support)
Sometimes, scammers will pose as Best Buy’s Geek Squad representatives to gain access to people’s computers.
For example, they’ll send an email or call, claiming to be from Geek Squad and saying there’s a problem with your computer.
Then, they will ask you to provide them with remote access to your computer so that they can “fix” the problem.
Of course, once they have access to your computer, they can install viruses and malware or even steal your personal information.
9. Best Buy Password Reset Email Scam
Likewise, scammers often send emails that look like they’re from Best Buy, asking people to reset their passwords.
However, if you click the link to reset your password, you’ll be taken to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.
How Can Best Buy Shoppers Avoid Scams?
Although Best Buy scams are prevalent, there are still many steps and actions you can take to avoid scams, including:
- If someone offers to sell you a Best Buy gift card for a discounted price, just say no.
- If an email looks suspicious or you’re unsure if a website is legitimate, it’s best to avoid it.
- Never click on links in emails and always type in com manually.
- If you’re not expecting an email from Best Buy, or if the email looks suspicious, it’s best to delete it.
- Never open attachments from people you don’t know, and always be cautious when downloading files from the internet.
- Never pay a fee to enter a Best Buy contest or sweepstakes.
- Never give someone remote access to your computer via email or text message.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on Best Buy complaints, Amazon vs Best Buy, and Best Buy headquarters.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of different scams out there that target Best Buy shoppers. However, by being aware of these scams, you can protect yourself and avoid them altogether.
Remember, it probably is a scam if something seems too good to be true. Also, be sure to exercise caution online and never click on links from unknown sources.
Following these simple tips, you can stay safe at Best Buy and avoid scamming altogether!
