Ahead of the holiday season, Attorney General Bonta alerts consumers about potential shopping scams and fraud, advising shoppers to remain vigilant against common scams this holiday season while sharing safety tips for secure shopping. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, Californians are encouraged to protect themselves and their loved ones from fraudulent purchases that could lead to unnecessary frustration and disappointment.

      “As the holiday season draws near and everyone hunts for the best deals, it’s crucial for consumers to slow down and thoroughly review their safety checklist,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I strongly advise Californians to be aware of their rights, recognize shopping hazards, and report scams and illegal activities to my office as well as local law enforcement agencies.”

      Here are some of the things the attorney general says to be on the lookout for:

Gift Card Draining: This scam involves criminals noting down PINs and other details from unsold gift cards. When these cards are bought and loaded by unaware consumers, scammers use the information to make purchases, rendering the cards useless. When buying gift cards, ensure the card is sealed and the protective cover intact and keep the receipt in case the card turns out to be compromised. Report compromised cards directly to the gift card company, ask for a freeze, and request a refund. Complaints can also be filed with our office at oag.ca.gov/report.

Hidden Fees: It’s essential to always review receipts for any unexpected charges. In California, laws generally prohibit undisclosed fees. New regulations require all displayed prices to reflect compulsory charges, ensuring transparency for consumers. While specific taxes and shipping may be exceptions, it’s crucial for businesses to present clear pricing without surprise costs. If consumers notice discrepancies, they are encouraged to address the issue with the business or report it to the appropriate authorities for further action or file complaints at oag.ca.gov/report.

Gender-Based Price Differences: State law prohibits businesses from pricing substantially similar goods differently based on gender, combating the “Pink Tax”. If you suspect illegal pricing, file a complaint at oag.ca.gov/report.

Lack of a Gender-Neutral Products Section: Effective January 1, 2024, large California retail stores (with 500+ employees) must have a gender-neutral section for children’s items and toys. If such a section isn’t visible, document it and file a complaint at oag.ca.gov/report.

Tips for Safe Shopping:

  • Compare products by researching, using comparison sites, and reading reviews.
  • Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true; they probably aren’t.
  • Verify legitimacy of businesses by researching customer feedback.
  • Use credit cards for purchases, allowing charge disputes if issues arise.
  • Securely provide personal or financial information by checking if the URL starts with “https”.
  • Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited messages.
  • Close unused accounts to minimize digital footprint.
  • Understand terms of zero-interest financing, noting high post-introductory rates.
  • Be cautious with “Buy Now, Pay Later” due to high interest, fees, or potential credit impacts.