Summer is here, and after months of social distancing, many Americans are ready to travel. However, others may not be ready to travel, or aren’t keen on reports of crowded travel destinations. Rather than packing up the car or catching a flight to their preferred beach, some consumers are planning for another summer spent in the backyard.
While some consumers have invested in a new RV or other camping gear, others are opting for a swimming pool they can enjoy all summer long. Demand for home swimming pools rose considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing retailers to struggle to keep above-ground pools in stock.
Above-ground pools are typically more affordable than in-ground pools, last long enough for families to enjoy them for many years to come, and are relatively easy to install. It also makes for an easier opportunity for potential scammers to take advantage of the situation by creating suspicious websites.
If you’re in the market for an above ground pool, beware of prices that seem too good to be true. People are often lured in with prices they don’t want to pass up, but end up paying for a pool that never arrives. Or, the pool that is delivered might be different from what was expected.
If it's not possible to confirm the company’s physical address, it could be a scam.
Pay with a credit card or another secure payment method. Using a secure method of payment such as a credit card provides more protection and a greater chance of successfully disputing the charges.
