VIDEO CA: Lookout for Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Scams

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning Floridians making last-minute gift purchases to be on the lookout for scams. The rush to purchase presents before Christmas can provide opportunities for scammers trying to take advantage of last-minute buying. The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently released tips for last-minute shoppers—echoing previous warnings from Attorney General Moody.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The last-minute buying frenzy before Christmas can create opportunities for scammers trying to steal your holiday cheer. Be extra cautious while you shop and follow a few smart-shopping tips I am releasing for Floridians looking to finish their shopping list before Santa makes his rounds.”

Attorney General Moody previously covered many of the scams and consumer tips highlighted in the FBI’s recent warning. Below is a list of a few safety steps from the Attorney General’s Consumer Alerts:

• Use a credit card, instead of a debit card, when shopping online. Credit cards allow consumers to dispute a charge more easily if an item never arrives or a fraudulent charge occurs;
• Know that credible businesses will not demand payment via gift card—this is always a scam;
• Be careful using cryptocurrency, as the volatile market attracts opportunistic scammers;
• Check bank and credit card statements regularly to ensure there are no fraudulent charges or withdrawals;
• Never provide personal or financial information to anyone that you do not know; and
• Create strong passwords to protect against identity theft, hackers and online fraud.

Additionally, the FBI provides tips about buying from reputable websites and being wary of too-good-to-be-true deals. These tips are covered in Attorney General Moody’s 2021 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide, which also contains more information about safe online shopping, how to avoid charity-related scams and a list of recalled items for consumers to stay wary of.

To access the guide in English, click here.

To access the guide in Spanish, click here.

Another safe-shopping resource for Floridians to use while finishing last-minute shopping is Scams at a Glance: ‘Tis the Season—a brochure full of tips consumers should consider to help protect personal and financial information during the holiday season.

To view Scams at a Glance: ‘Tis the Season, click here.