Attorney General Warns of Holiday Shopping Scams

As consumers gear up for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is cautioning them to be vigilant against holiday shopping scams. With an increase in deceptive websites and misleading online advertisements during the holiday season, the risk of fraud heightens significantly.

Attorney General Brown emphasized the importance of staying alert. “Year-end sales provide excellent savings opportunities,” he stated. “However, it’s crucial not to let enticing deals blind you to the potential red flags of a scam.”

Online shopping, while convenient, is particularly susceptible to scams, including fraudulent products and malware aimed at unauthorized access to computer systems. To combat these risks, the Attorney General has issued several safety tips for consumers:

• Research Retailers: Check for online reviews and customer feedback. Ensure there’s an easy way to contact customer service.
• Secure Payment Information: Enter the retailer’s website address directly into your browser and avoid navigating from search engine results. Always look for “https” in the web address as an indication of security.
• Be Cautious with Advertisements: Avoid clicking on social media ads or email links that could direct you to fraudulent websites.
• Gift Card Vigilance: Purchase gift cards directly from stores or official websites. Inspect the gift card packaging to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with and that the PIN is secure.

Furthermore, the holiday season also sees a spike in charity scams. Consumers are urged to verify the legitimacy of charities by checking registration with the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office and reviewing the organization’s details on trusted sites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office provides a plethora of resources, including the Consumer’s Edge series, to educate consumers on safe shopping practices and scam prevention. These resources are available for free download at the official website.

For continuous updates on consumer protection, Maryland residents can follow the Office of the Attorney General on social media platforms and subscribe to consumer alerts.

For more information, visit Maryland Attorney General’s Office.