As Black Friday approaches and families go about their holiday shopping, Attorney General Ashley Moody released the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide to help Floridians navigate the busy shopping season.
With holiday purchases expected to surpass $1 trillion and with fewer shopping days between Black Friday and Christmas, there’s less time to find that perfect gift for a loved one. Don’t let that increased urgency make you a target for scammers looking to exploit consumers.
“As we enter the busy holiday season, scammers may try to exploit the excitement and target consumers,” said Moody. “This year, bad actors may use the increased urgency to take advantage of consumers. Our 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide is packed with useful tips and a list of recalled items to help shoppers navigate the holiday shopping season.”
Some tips from the guide include:
Shop from Trusted Sources: Whether shopping online or in-person, make sure to buy from reputable retailers. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and avoid clicking on suspicious links in unsolicited emails or ads.
Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with credit cards when shopping online because they often offer fraud protection. Avoid paying for purchases using wire transfers or gift cards, as these are difficult to recover if lost to scammers.
Watch Out for Fake Charities: Verify charitable organizations before donating, especially in response to urgent holiday appeals. Use trusted websites to ensure donations go to legitimate causes.
Gift Card Caution: Only buy gift cards directly from retailers and inspect the packaging for tampering. Avoid buying cards from third-party sellers or unverified websites, as the cards may be used or fraudulent.
Beware of Recalled Items: Every year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls dangerous items. Remain cognizant when shopping to avoid purchasing unsafe products.
To view the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide, go to www.myfloridalegal.com. Anyone who suspects they are the victim of a holiday scam can report it to the Attorney General’s office at 1-866-9NO-SCAM.