Attorney General Letitia James issued an alert for New Yorkers to remain vigilant against potential scams while holiday shopping, including online. The following tips will help consumers protect themselves during the holiday season:
- Be cautious while shopping online
- Stick to reputable retailers and always verify website URLs before entering payment details.
- When buying items from a website, make sure the company has an operating customer service number, lists an actual street address of its business and has a record of satisfactory service. A company trying to scam consumers is likely not to have a working telephone number or to list only a post office box as its address.
- Carefully review all the charges that may apply. Many “bargain” websites make up the difference with hefty fees (such as delivery, processing or subscription fees). Some companies increase these fees around the holidays.
- Be cautious of emails with subject lines like “Exclusive Holiday Deals” or “Free Gift Cards.” These are often phishing attempts.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi when making online purchases. Your home network is much safer.
- If you receive unexpected holiday e-cards or invitations, verify the sender before opening links or attachments.
- Secure your devices to protect your personal information
- Change your Wi-Fi password if it hasn’t been updated in a while.
- Install the latest security updates on your phones, tablets and computers.
- Ensure antivirus software is active and up to date to protect against malware.
- Protect yourself after you buy
- Save verifications and receipts from online retailers for future access. If you have not received the product when promised, reach out to the company in a firm but polite inquiry. If they don’t respond to your requests, file an online complaint with OAG or call 800-771-7755.
- Always review your monthly credit card and bank statements carefully for unauthorized charges. Scam artists often take advantage of the increase in purchases during the holidays, expecting that phony charges will go unnoticed.
- If you believe you have been charged for an item that you did not authorize or have not received in a reasonable amount of time, report this to your credit card company as soon as possible.
If you are a victim of a scam, report it to OAG by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.