Attorney General warns of holiday shopping scams ahead of Cyber Monday

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (7News) — This Cyber Monday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is urging consumers to remain vigilant and avoid common holiday shopping scams.

The risk of fraud increases during the holiday shopping season with fake websites and misleading online ads.

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As more holiday sales pop up, scams become more prevalent online.

And this time of year, it’s not just scams, but also fraudulent products, and malware which is designed to steal personal information. 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.

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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.

“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.” Scammers also target 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.

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