Short supply of laptops during pandemic means more scams

With online learning and working from home on the rise, many retailers are struggling to keep laptops on their store shelves. Like many others, Jorge Rosado turned to online shopping to find a laptop, but he was left empty-handed.

Rosado said he only had a few hundred dollars to spend. With affordable laptops in short supply, he jumped at his chance to buy one on a website based out of San Francisco called The Laptop Store.

Rosado said the store took his credit card number and gave him a tracking number for his order, but nothing ever showed up. When he tried to contact the seller, he found their address was listed as a Staples store not connected to the business.

Don't fall for it: 5 On Your Side warns of coronavirus scams

According to Don't Waste Your Money, the Better Business Bureau gave The Laptop Store an F rating after similar complaints. Don't Waste Your Money contacted the store but did not receive a response. Luckily, since Rosado paid by credit card and has filed a dispute, he should be able to get a refund.

If you need a laptop, stick with known retailers, experts say. Check the reviews of any web seller and beware of cheap laptops for sale on Craigslist or Facebook.