Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lorelei Salas issued the following holiday shopping tips to protect consumers’ identity and money during the holiday season. This annual effort is set to kick off the holiday shopping season and make consumers aware of their rights—including new gift card protections—help them spend wisely, and protect them from scams.
“Americans are expected to spend an average of $750 on everything from gifts to food to decorations this holiday season, but, unfortunately, with that spending comes the theft of billions of dollars,” said Salas. “As the holiday shopping season begins, we encourage everyone to follow these tips to protect themselves and ensure the holiday season is a time of joy and not frustration, or lost identity or money.”
Consumer Shopping Tips for the Holiday Season
• Know your consumer rights.
• Create a budget and make a list. Don’t let holiday spending put you in debt.
• Be a smart shopper.
• Gift cards are one of the most popular gifts—know the latest rules. The value of a gift card must stay valid for at least five years from when the card was purchased or money was last loaded onto it. In New York, starting Dec. 25, all fees must be listed and no inactivity or service fees can be charged if the card has been used within the past 25 months (12 months before Dec. 25). If you’re buying an “experience” card (like a spa treatment, flight or hotel stay), buy one with a specific dollar value so you can benefit from consumer protections.
• Be on alert for holiday scams. It’s a busy time of year, and, unfortunately, some scammers try to take advantage of people and their generosity. Shop at stores you know, research charities before you donate, protect your personal information, and be wary of suspicious calls and emails, especially if they offer free things or deals that are too good to be true.
• Protect yourself when shopping online. Only shop on secure websites—use familiar websites or research and read reviews of new ones, and check that the website starts with https (not just http) or has a padlock icon. Avoid typing your personal information when using unsecured Wi-Fi. Also don’t click on shopping links from unsolicited emails or social media sites—type the address directly into your browser.
• Shop local and don’t buy counterfeit or “pirated” goods.
• Get a delivery date. Secure a delivery date in writing before you leave a store. If retailers don’t specify a “ship by” date for your online purchase, they must ship within 30 days.
• Check for recalls. To check if a gift or toy has been recalled, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website (www.cpsc.gov).
• File a complaint if you’ve had a problem the business won’t resolve. File a complaint with DCA at nyc.gov/dca.
