With holiday shopping in full swing, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is urging consumers to be on guard against scams and shady online sellers.
Fitch said the holiday season brings great deals but also increased opportunities for fraudsters to steal money and personal information. She is encouraging shoppers to slow down, double-check websites and offers, and know their rights before they click “buy.”
Her office shared several practical tips to help Mississippians protect themselves:
Research before you buy. Read other customers’ reviews and look for photos of the actual item, along with clear descriptions of its condition and location.
Check the website’s security. Make sure the web address begins with “https://” and shows a lock icon on the checkout page.
Know the refund and return policy. Understand how returns work and what happens if there’s a problem with your order.
Watch for hidden costs. Be alert for fine print that signs you up for monthly charges or subscriptions you don’t want.
Use secure payment systems. Avoid sellers who ask you to pay outside the marketplace’s normal system, such as through wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer apps with no protection.
Read the privacy policy. Legitimate sites explain how your personal information will be used and stored. A site with no privacy policy at all may be a red flag.
Fitch reminded consumers that her office is a resource if they believe they’ve been targeted.
“To keep your personal information and your finances secure, it’s important to stay vigilant against scams,” she said, encouraging Mississippians to report suspicious activity.
Shoppers can report fraud, scams, or deceptive business practices through her website at AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com.