• Consumers urged to stay vigilant against online shopping scams during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.
• Tips provided for avoiding fake websites, fraudulent ads, and gift card scams.
• Guidance on secure online shopping and verifying charities shared.

As the holiday shopping season kicks off with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is cautioning consumers to stay alert for potential scams. With increased online shopping activity, scammers are using fake websites, misleading advertisements, and fraudulent offers to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.

“Year-end sales are wonderful opportunities to save money on gifts for your loved ones. But don’t let a great deal distract you from the warning signs of a scam,” said Attorney General Brown. “Don’t risk your money, peace of mind, or personal information if a holiday sale seems too good to be true.”

Online Shopping Risks

While online shopping is a convenient way to handle holiday purchases, it also comes with heightened risks of scams, fraudulent products, and malware—malicious software that can compromise personal information. Attorney General Brown advises shoppers to remain cautious and follow best practices to avoid becoming victims of fraud.

Key Tips for Safe Shopping

To help consumers protect themselves, the Attorney General shared the following tips:

• Research Retailers: Verify the reputation of online retailers by checking reviews and confirming customer satisfaction. Ensure the retailer offers accessible customer service.
• Secure Payment Information: Enter the retailer’s web address directly into your browser to avoid fake sites. Look for “https” in the web address, which indicates a secure connection.
• Avoid Clicking Ads: Be cautious with advertisements on social media or email that could lead to phishing websites or malware.
• Gift Card Precautions: Purchase gift cards directly from reputable sources. Avoid buying cards from auction sites or individuals, and inspect in-store cards for tampered packaging. Ignore offers of free gift cards that could be scams.

Charitable Giving Awareness

Scammers also exploit the holiday season’s spirit of giving by creating fake charity solicitations. Consumers are encouraged to verify charities through resources like the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office, GuideStar, or Charity Navigator. Checking an organization’s registration and financial information can help ensure that donations are used responsibly.

Additional Resources

The Maryland Attorney General’s Office offers a variety of free publications, including Consumer’s Edge, to educate the public about safe shopping practices and consumer protection. Visit their website at Maryland Attorney General Consumer Publications for more information.

Consumers can also stay updated by following the Office of the Attorney General on Facebook, Instagram, or X, and subscribing to consumer alerts for the latest updates on scams, fraud, and consumer news.

This holiday season, Maryland residents are encouraged to shop wisely, stay vigilant, and protect their personal and financial information.

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