OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today provided consumers with tips on how to shop safely this holiday season. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approach, Californians can take action to help protect themselves from scams, fraud, and other consumer-related issues.
“Whether you are shopping online or in person, the holiday season is a great time to support your local businesses. Unfortunately, it’s also a period when we typically see an uptick in fraud and other scams,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This holiday season, shop smarter. Don’t let flashy Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals cause you to drop your guard when it comes to potential scams, and always take the necessary steps to protect yourself.”
Tips for Safe Shopping This Holiday Season:
- Be suspicious of a price or deal that seems too good to be true. Chances are, it probably is. There is always a chance that the seller may not send you anything, or the item you get may be counterfeit or stolen.
- Be attentive to details before you make a purchase. Read all descriptions closely, as the fine print may explain that an item is not as advertised. Ask the retailer about warranties, delivery dates, tracking numbers, and shipping and handling fees so that there are no surprise charges when you check out. Make sure you understand the company’s return and exchange policy and never assume a store will allow you to return an item if you change your mind. More information…
