Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) appeared with local Miami law enforcement and members of the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to release the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide.
With five fewer days between Black Friday and Christmas Day, heightened stress could be on display not only in Florida but nationwide as parents and loved ones are attempting to get their shopping done.
Salesforce – in its 2024 Holiday Forecast – predicts holiday shopping will exceed one trillion dollars.
AG Moody's guide accounts for these factors and is designed to protect Floridians from “fraudulent schemes” and “porch pirates,” as mailed-to-door gifts can be vulnerable during the holiday season.
“As we enter the busy holiday season, scammers may try to exploit the excitement and target consumers,” said AG Moody. “This year, with five fewer shopping days and a projected $1 trillion in holiday sales, 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.”
Per AG Moody’s press release, 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.
