Government Encouraging Safe and Smart Holiday Shopping

It seems like most people have already started their holiday shopping.

With Christmas right around the corner, the government is encouraging consumers to make smart holiday shopping decisions.

It is important to price check merchandise to ensure there are no overcharges and remember to save receipts. Also, ask about the seller’s refund, exchange or re-stocking fee policies before buying. No legal obligation exists for retailers and other businesses to accept returned items unless they are defective and not sold as an ‘all sales are final’ contract or clearance item.

With more and more people turning to the convenience of online shopping, consumers should be cautious when sharing personal information online. Ensure the online retailer is legitimate and security enabled. Look for “https” instead of “http” on the web address of the payment page. The “s” stands for a secure connection that reduces the chance of online scams. Avoid shopping and providing personal information including credit card details, if using public Wi-Fi and be aware of third-party marketplaces where anyone can sell merchandise.

The holidays are also about charitable giving but consumers should take extra caution when making donations. If a consumer is unsure of the intentions of the organization seeking a donation, reach out to the charity directly for information, or research online to confirm the charity is reputable and in good standing.