With the holiday season upon us, Attorney General Kris Mayes has issued a public reminder to shoppers: be on guard for scams. In a recent press release from the Arizona Attorney General's office, Mayes offered a comprehensive list of tips aimed at helping consumers stay safe while hunting for holiday deals, highlighting the unfortunate truth that scam artists are often as busy as the malls during this time of year.
"The holidays are a time of gift giving and merry making, but watch out for scammers who want to take advantage of your generosity and goodwill," Mayes said. The advice offered includes common-sense steps like ensuring computers and mobile devices have the latest security software and avoiding public Wi-Fi when shopping online. She emphasizes the importance of using secure, "https" websites and cautions against paying with payment forms like debit cards, money wires, or cryptocurrencies, which can be challenging to recover if sent to a scammer.
For those hitting the physical stores, the Attorney General's guidelines are just as stringent. Shoppers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with return policies, restocking fees, and the veracity of advertised deals. When it comes to paying, the preference is to use credit cards for the consumer protections they offer. As for gift cards, a popular holiday choice, shoppers are advised to inspect these carefully before purchase and treat them like cash once bought.
Beyond the purchase point, vigilance should also extend to package deliveries. "Beware of delivery scams," Mayes warned, suggesting tactics like tracking alerts and secure locker services to thwart "porch pirates." Ploys such as phishing attempts, where scammers impersonate legitimate businesses to fish for financial information, were also highlighted. Consumers are urged to monitor bank statements and stay skeptical of deals that appear too good to be true.
As the press release by the Arizona Attorney General's office advises, those who suspect they've fallen prey to a scam should take action. Mayes's office is ready to field complaints with multiple contact methods available for affected consumers. This guidance isn't just helpful; it's critical, serving as a protective measure against the holiday cheer being exploited by less than scrupulous individuals.
