Attorney General Chris Carr and his Consumer Protection Division are urging Georgians to shop safely this holiday season, being vigilant against scams that could harm their wallets or cause identity theft.
The warning from AG Chris Carr states that some retailers will try to lure in customers by deceptively advertising that their merchandise is on sale, when, in fact, the prices were never actually reduced.
Retailers can also mislead consumers by showing an inflated ‘list price’ or ‘compare to’ price, even though higher prices shown don’t accurately reflect the original prices or the typical market price.
Carr therefore recommends comparison shopping, so you can look at similar items in other stores or websites. The issued warning also provides specialized tips for using popular online shopping sites.
For example, when using Amazon, users can tap the heart next to any Amazon product they’re considering to save it to their list and get an alert when the price drops. The Amazon app can also be used to scan an item when you're in a store to find it on Amazon and check its price.
The issued warning also includes timeless tips like using credit cards as opposed to debit cards and paying attention to return policies. Georgians are also encouraged to look out for fake charities and only make purchases through reputable, reliable websites.
Carr commented on the nature of the holiday season, describing it as an opportunity for criminals to take advantage of normal, decent people. He also affirmed that his Consumer Protection Division is ready to assist anyone who falls victim to scams.
“Criminals will do whatever they can to cheat and steal from Georgia shoppers, particularly with the increase in spending and charitable donations this time of year,” warns Carr. “Our Consumer Protection Division is offering key tips and resources to help Georgians keep their costs low and their finances safe, and we stand ready to assist any consumer who thinks they’ve encountered a scam.”
