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Protecting Consumers this Holiday Season

As the holiday shopping season is in full swing, many consumers are eager to find great deals while merchants aim to boost their sales. Unfortunately, this time of year also attracts an influx of scams designed to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. In a bid to protect both consumers and retailers, the Georgia Attorney General's Office has teamed up with industry associations, including the Innovative Payments Association (IPA) and the American Transaction Processor's Coalition (ATPC), to share essential tips for safe shopping and fraud avoidance.

Understanding Common Scams

It's vital for consumers to familiarize themselves with the common tactics used by fraudsters, especially during the festive season.

• - Prize Scams: Watch out for claims requiring payment in exchange for a prize.
• - High Pressure: Scammers often pressure victims to take immediate action. If you feel rushed, it’s a red flag.
• - Scare Tactics: Scammers may create a false sense of urgency by claiming someone is in danger or a loved one is in peril.
• - Unusual Payment Methods: If someone insists on payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrencies, be cautious.
• - Too Good to Be True Offers: Promises of quick wealth or recovery of lost funds for a fee are often scams.

If you suspect that you’re interacting with a scam, contact your financial institution or the gift card provider immediately to minimize potential damage.

Tips for Safe Online Shopping

When shopping online this holiday season, implementation of safety measures is crucial. Here are some practical tips to ensure a secure online shopping experience:

• - Reputable Sites: Stick with well-known retailers when shopping online.
• - Secure Connections: Verify that the website is secure (look for HTTPS) and double-check the URL for accuracy.
• - Guest Checkout: Opt to complete purchases as a guest rather than saving your information on websites.

Briant Tate, President and CEO of the IPA, stresses the importance of consumer education in combating fraud, emphasizing that both businesses and consumers need to work together for a safe shopping environment.

Special Focus on Older Adults

The collaborative efforts also extend to protecting vulnerable groups, specifically older adults, who are often targeted by scammers. Resources like the Georgia Consumer Protection Guide for Older Adults and campaigns from the FTC provide outreach and advice tailored to this demographic. Retail employees are encouraged to engage with customers and take proactive measures to prevent potential scams.

Vigilance Against Gift Card Fraud

Gift card purchases surge during the holidays, making them a prime target for fraud. Businesses like InComm Payments leverage advanced technologies to combat this risk, but consumers play a key role too. Before purchasing gift cards, inspect the packaging for signs of tampering, such as:

• - Tampering Marks: Check for wrinkles, glue residue, or tears on the packaging.
• - Security Features: Ensure the scratch-off labels are intact and not damaged.

Some additional actions consumers can take include:

• - Keep Receipts: Always retain the receipt or take a picture of it after buying a gift card.
• - Verify At Receipt: Inspect received cards to ensure no numbers are missing or altered.
• - Check Balances: Regularly check the balance of gift cards using the official website link.

Rob Hadden, Senior Vice President at InComm Payments, urges consumers to maintain vigilance and adhere to best practices for a secure shopping experience this holiday season. Robert Skiba, Executive Vice President at InComm Payments, reiterates the importance of watching for signs of potential scams, encouraging a collective effort from communities nationwide to foster a safer shopping environment.

Learn More

For additional resources and comprehensive information, shoppers are urged to visit the Georgia Attorney General's website. Preparation and awareness are the best tools to combat scams this holiday season, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities without the worry of falling victim to fraud.