
In this episode of The Northern Ledger, host Jonathan Quick sits down with Jim Cullinan, spokesperson for Meta, for a timely and eye opening conversation about the surge in online shopping and the risks that accompany the holiday season. As more people shift their gift buying to digital platforms, Jim breaks down the most common scams that catch shoppers by surprise. From emails that look like they came from your favorite retailers to fraudulent payment requests that seem legitimate, Jim walks through the red flags and how to quickly spot trouble before you get taken advantage of. He also stresses why staying inside trusted ecosystems like Facebook Marketplace drastically reduces risk.
Jonathan and Jim also zoom out to examine how online marketplaces impact communities in remote regions, including Alaska. They discuss how platforms like Facebook Marketplace make it easier for people to find deals, avoid shipping delays, and even earn extra cash by selling items locally. Jim offers straightforward, practical tips to keep transactions safe and secure, from using the platform’s built in protections to staying aware of personal safety when meeting buyers or sellers.
Whether you are a veteran online bargain hunter or jumping into digital shopping for the first time, this episode delivers essential guidance to help you move through the holiday season with confidence and peace of mind.
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