Make sure your holidays are fun | So Good News

Consumer protection organizations and government leaders have joined the bandwagon ahead of the shopping season in hopes of making sure you and your loved ones have an enjoyable holiday season.

General message: pirates don’t take vacations, so be vigilant.

Attorney General Ashley Moody released the 2022 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide for Floridians, which contains information about the holiday, scams, recalled products and more.

Scammers know that consumers spend more money during the holidays and can take advantage of Floridians looking for special deals and gifts for family and friends.

“The busiest shopping season of the year is underway, and criminals can use this opportunity to prey on people looking for the perfect gift,” Moody said in a news release. “To protect Floridians, I’m releasing our 2022 Consumer Protection Guide. Our agency is packed with information on internet fraud, identity theft, cybercrime and more. Download it for free at MyFloridaLegal.com.

The 2022 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide contains a list of products that have been recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition to the reminders, the guide includes tips on safe online shopping, information on charity scams and advice on how to avoid holiday theft, such as:

• When ordering online, make sure your browser is secure before entering or submitting payment information. For dresses, the cover should indicate that the part is safe;

• Use a credit card instead of a credit card when shopping online. Credit cards allow consumers to easily dispute the cost if an item does not arrive or interest accrues;

• Keep receipts and make sure you understand the return policies and deadlines for returning unwanted items for a full refund; and

• Know the difference between tax exempt and tax exempt. A tax-exempt charity doesn’t pay tax, but that doesn’t mean donations are tax-deductible. To see if an organization qualifies for tax-deductible donations, visit Apps.IRS.gov/app/eos.

For tips and information, find the full 2022 Holiday Safety Guide here.

To view the guide in Spanish, click here.

For a complete list of all recalls, visit CPSC.gov.

To report a scam, visit MyFloridaLegal.com or call 1-866-9NO-SCAM.