Today in Miami, Attorney General Ashley Moody released the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide. The guide aims to assist Floridians during the holiday shopping season, which is expected to exceed $1.1 trillion in sales this year. Last year's holiday sales surpassed $964 billion.
Attorney General Moody stated, “As we enter the busy holiday season, scammers may try to exploit the excitement and target consumers. This year, with five fewer shopping days and a projected $1 trillion in holiday sales, bad actors may use the increased urgency to take advantage of consumers. Our 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide is packed with useful tips and a list of recalled items to help shoppers navigate the holiday shopping season.”
The guide provides information on avoiding fraudulent schemes when purchasing gifts or donating to charities. It also lists dangerous recalled items and offers advice on protecting deliveries from porch pirates.
Online purchases generate nearly 22 billion packages annually, often left on doorsteps where thefts by porch pirates are increasing. In 2023 alone, 58 million Americans fell victim to such thefts, losing $12 billion worth of packages. Attorney General Moody supported legislation making it a third-degree felony for theft of property valued at $40 or more.
Some tips from the guide include:
- Shop from trusted sources: Ensure purchases are made from reputable retailers.
- Use secure payment methods: Credit cards offer fraud protection.
- Watch out for fake charities: Verify organizations before donating.
- Gift card caution: Buy directly from retailers and check for tampering.
- Beware of recalled items: Stay informed about unsafe products.
For further details on product recalls, visit CPSC.gov.