Some trendy holiday gift ads may be too good to be true. Bill Sipp, a consumer searching for two hard-to-find belt parts for his old lawnmowers, fell victim to fraud."So, I found this place that said they did have them in stock," Sipp said.After waiting a few days, Sipp's order was still pending."I tried calling them. The phone number is no good," he said. Fortunately, Sipp contacted his credit card company and was able to reverse the overseas charge."It's embarrassing because once I realize what I've done, it's like, you idiot," Sipp said.However, Sipp isn't the only one who has experienced this. A recent Better Business Bureau study revealed that bogus online sales contributed to a 125% uptick in fraud reports."Any item that's sold out everywhere else, if you see it randomly on a website you've never heard of, there's a good chance it could be fraudulent," said Melanie McGovern of the Better Business Bureau.Online shoppers may not realize they are buying from third-party vendors rather than a reputable shopping site.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<This can lead to not only fraudulent transactions but also faulty products."Unsafe products like pajamas that violate federal flammability standards and carbon monoxide detectors like don't work have been sold by third-party sellers. Our laws simply haven't kept up with the emergence of online marketplace, and, as a result, they aren't providing legal and financial incentives for companies to keep consumers safe. That needs to change," said Oriene Shin of Consumer Reports.Consumer Reports recommends taking precautions like researching to verify ads and avoid wasting money."If it's a business you've never heard of, search it on Better Business Bureau or elsewhere. If it's a retailer you're unfamiliar with, type in the name of the retailer with the word scam or review to see what other people are saying," McGovern said. As for Sipp, he eventually found what he needed on a credible website.Consumer Reports also advises using a credit card for online shopping, as most offer fraud protection.If your order never arrives, dispute the charge with your card issuer.

Some trendy holiday gift ads may be too good to be true.

Bill Sipp, a consumer searching for two hard-to-find belt parts for his old lawnmowers, fell victim to fraud.

"So, I found this place that said they did have them in stock," Sipp said.

After waiting a few days, Sipp's order was still pending.

"I tried calling them. The phone number is no good," he said.

Fortunately, Sipp contacted his credit card company and was able to reverse the overseas charge.

"It's embarrassing because once I realize what I've done, it's like, you idiot," Sipp said.

However, Sipp isn't the only one who has experienced this. A recent Better Business Bureau study revealed that bogus online sales contributed to a 125% uptick in fraud reports.

"Any item that's sold out everywhere else, if you see it randomly on a website you've never heard of, there's a good chance it could be fraudulent," said Melanie McGovern of the Better Business Bureau.

Online shoppers may not realize they are buying from third-party vendors rather than a reputable shopping site.

>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<

This can lead to not only fraudulent transactions but also faulty products.

"Unsafe products like pajamas that violate federal flammability standards and carbon monoxide detectors like don't work have been sold by third-party sellers. Our laws simply haven't kept up with the emergence of online marketplace, and, as a result, they aren't providing legal and financial incentives for companies to keep consumers safe. That needs to change," said Oriene Shin of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports recommends taking precautions like researching to verify ads and avoid wasting money.

"If it's a business you've never heard of, search it on Better Business Bureau or elsewhere. If it's a retailer you're unfamiliar with, type in the name of the retailer with the word scam or review to see what other people are saying," McGovern said.

As for Sipp, he eventually found what he needed on a credible website.

Consumer Reports also advises using a credit card for online shopping, as most offer fraud protection.

If your order never arrives, dispute the charge with your card issuer.