Beware of potential swindles during this coming month as schools reopen, according to Hochul's warning.
Shopping with Caution: New York State Consumer Protection Warns of Holiday Scams
As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers in New York are being urged to exercise extra caution to protect themselves from potential scams. According to the New York State Division of Consumer Protection, common tactics to watch out for include gift card scams, fake refund or prize notifications, government impersonations, and deals that seem too good to be true [4][1][3].
In gift card scams, scammers ask victims to buy gift cards (such as Walmart or Amazon) and then provide the card numbers. It's important to note that no legitimate business or government agency would ask for payment in this manner [4]. Fake refund or prize notifications often appear as texts or emails from retailers (e.g., Amazon) or sweepstakes, offering refunds, discounts, or prizes but requiring payment or personal data to claim them [1][3].
Government impersonation scams involve scammers pretending to be officials from agencies such as FEMA after disasters or DMVs demanding payment of fake tickets to instill fear and extract money [1]. To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers are advised to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for payment or personal information, avoid clicking links or sending money, and report suspected scams promptly [4].
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection also recommends checking seller policies carefully and keeping receipts and gift card information. If consumers suspect they've been scammed or need assistance, they can contact the state's consumer helpline and website for resources [4].
Governor Kathy Hochul has also emphasized the need for caution during the upcoming shopping season. Deals that seem too good to be true are often scams, leading to potential financial loss or stolen personal information. By being vigilant and following these tips, consumers can enjoy a safe and secure holiday shopping experience.
[1] Federal Trade Commission. (2021). Holiday scams. Retrieved from https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-holiday-scams
[2] New York State Division of Consumer Protection. (2021). Holiday scams. Retrieved from https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/consumer-topics/holiday-scams
[3] New York State Division of Consumer Protection. (2021). Gift card scams. Retrieved from https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/consumer-topics/gift-card-scams
[4] New York State Division of Consumer Protection. (2021). Holiday shopping scams. Retrieved from https://www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection/consumer-topics/holiday-shopping-scams
- To safeguard personal-finance during the holiday season, it's advised to be wary of businesses soliciting payment through gift cards, as these may be part of gift card scams.
- In addition to being vigilant about potential scams during holiday-shopping, individuals might also benefit from education-and-self-development resources that offer advice on general-news topics such as recognizing and avoiding various types of consumer fraud.
