This week, we unveiled our 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide to help Floridians navigate the busiest shopping season of the year.
Holiday sales surpassed $964 billion in 2023, and this year sales are expected to pass $1 trillion! Additionally, there are five fewer days between Black Friday and Christmas. That means there is less time to find gifts. A shorter shopping period coupled with record sales could create a perfect storm for scammers trying to take advantage of consumers.
That is why it is important for Floridians to plan their shopping and take steps to guard against scams. Our 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide is packed with useful tips and a list of recalled items to help shoppers get through their holiday shopping safely.
Tips from the guide include:
• Shop from Trusted Sources: Buy from reputable retailers and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Use Secure Payment Methods: Pay with credit cards when shopping online because they often offer fraud protection.
• Watch Out for Fake Charities: Verify charitable organizations before donating, especially in response to urgent holiday appeals.
• Gift Card Caution: Only buy gift cards directly from retailers and inspect the packaging for tampering.
For more information, check out the full guide here.
Anyone who suspects they are the victim of a holiday scam can report it to our office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or online at MyFloridaLegal.com.
Happy Holidays and shop safely, Florida!
In The News
Florida attorney general warns shoppers about holiday scammers, thieves, CBS News Miami
AG Moody Introduces 'Holiday Consumer Protection Guide', The Floridian
Holiday shopping season is here Florida. Here's how to stay safe, NBC Miami
Florida officials warn residents to beware of shopping scams during holiday season, WFTV 9 Orlando
Florida AG files lawsuit against FEMA over alleged political discrimination against Trump supporters, FOX News
Florida AG Moody sues FEMA officials after discrimination of Trump supporters, Florida's Voice
Florida’s Attorney General sues FEMA officials amid accusations they discriminated against Trump supporters, FOX 13 Tampa Bay
Florida alleges FEMA officials conspired to discriminate against Trump supporters after hurricane, The Hill
Florida sues FEMA over worker who skipped homes with Trump signs, Tampa Bay Times
FEMA sued over ‘damning’ revelations agency deliberately ignored homes of Trump supporters: ‘Swift legal action’, New York Post
Florida man manipulates babysitter into sending illicit images of toddlers: Attorney Gen., CBS 12 West Palm Beach
Florida Man Manipulated Colorado Babysitter Into Sending Him Pictures Of Toddlers, Tampa Free Press
Protecting Floridians
VIDEO: Attorney General Moody Shares Resources to Help Veterans, Service Members and Loved Ones Avoid Scams This Military Family Appreciation Month
This Military Family Appreciation Month, Attorney General Moody is sharing resources to help veterans, service members and their families avoid falling victim to scams and other fraudulent schemes.
Read MoreAG Moody’s OSP Secures 16-Year Sentence for Child Predator Who Manipulated Babysitter into Sending Explicit Pictures of Toddlers
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured a 16-year sentence for a child predator for possessing and soliciting child pornography as well as online solicitation of minors.
Read MoreAttorney General Moody Takes Swift Action Against FEMA Officials to Make Sure ALL Americans are Served as Tropical System Looms
According to whistleblower reports, FEMA workers in Lake Placid were directed to ignore storm victims in households that displayed Trump signs or flags.
Read MoreEvents
Attorney General Moody releasing the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide in Miami alongside local law enforcement and business leaders.
Attorney General Moody with Miami-Dade Sheriff-Elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie Daniels.
