Maryland Attorney General Warns Consumers to Stay Alert for Holiday Shopping Scams – The MoCo Show

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown advises consumers to stay vigilant during the holiday shopping season to avoid scams, offering tips on safe online shopping, gift card security, and verifying charities.

Per the news release, “As Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday approach this holiday weekend, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is urging consumers to remain vigilant and avoid common holiday shopping scams. With fake websites and misleading online ads, the risk of fraud increases during the busy holiday shopping season.

“Year-end sales are wonderful opportunities to save money on gifts for your loved ones. But don’t let a great deal distract you from the warning signs of a scam,” said Attorney General Brown. “Don’t risk your money, peace of mind, or personal information if a holiday sale seems too good to be true.”

Scams are especially prevalent online. While online shopping offers a convenient way to shop, consumers should remain cautious of scams, fraudulent products, and malware, which is designed to gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

To help consumers avoid these holiday shopping traps, Attorney General Brown shared the following tips:

• Research the retailer. Check online reviews to verify the retailer’s reputation and see if they have satisfied customers. Ensure they provide an easy way to contact customer service. If they don’t, consider another retailer.
• Keep your payment information secure. Always type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser. Conducting a web search could lead you to fake or look-alike websites. Never send personal information or payments through a site that doesn’t begin with “https,” which indicates your information is secure.
• Be cautious of clicking advertisements. Scammers often use social media or emails to lure consumers to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information or install malware on your computer.
• Avoid potential gift card scams. Gift cards are frequent targets for scammers. Purchase gift cards directly from the company’s website or store, ensuring the packaging is intact and the PIN is not scratched off. Be wary of emails, pop-up ads, or websites offering free gift cards, as these are often scams to steal your personal or financial information.

Scammers also exploit the generosity of charity donors during the holiday season. Before donating, check if the charity is registered with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office. Websites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator offer details about an organization’s financials and mission statements, helping you decide how to allocate your donations.

For more information about charitable donations, read the “Keeping Your Eyes Open When Donating to Charities” Consumer’s Edge publication.

For safe online shopping tips, refer to the “Smart Shopping from Home” Consumer’s Edge. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office offers free publications to educate consumers, which can be downloaded from their website.

Consumers can follow the Office of Attorney General on Facebook, Instagram, or X and subscribe to consumer alerts for the latest information on scams, fraud, and consumer news.”