Brnovich issues holiday shopping tips | News

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is reminding Arizonans to watch out for possible scams while shopping this holiday season.

“Scammers also see the holidays as a wonderful time of the year and you never want to be on their list,” Brnovich said.

“Make responsible purchases and maintain the joy of the season.” He offers the following tips:

Do your research

•Use a business/retailer that you know or trust.

•Beware of unsolicited texts or emails that appear to be from a legitimate business but want you to click a link. Visit a website directly on your own and never from a link you have received.

•Always use trusted websites with reliable track records.

•Before making a purchase based on a social media ad or post, look into the company. Use a search engine to visit the company’s actual website or to search the company’s name with “scam,” “complaint,” or “review” and see if the company has a track record of keeping its promises.

Pay a smart way

•Use a credit card for purchases, if possible. Credit cards generally offer the most protection against fraud, including the right to dispute charges if there are problems with your purchase.

•Money wire transfers, cash apps, cryptocurrency and gift card payments should be considered the same as using cash. Once you send the funds, it is difficult, if not nearly impossible, to get your money back.

Remain vigilantes

•Beware of delivery scams. These con artists pose as a delivery service and call or send a text message asking you to confirm your credit card number to pay for the delivery of a package.

•Beware of phishing attempts. Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming problems to lure consumers into disclosing financial information. If you receive such an email, call the business directly by searching online for the business’ website and using the number listed there.

Those who believe they have been the victim of consumer fraud can file a consumer complaint by visiting the attorney general’s website, azag. gov .

To receive a complaint form via mail, the attorney general’s office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763, in Tucson at 520-628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1-800-352-8431.

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