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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 25, 2008

 Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter Provides Tips on What to Watch for this Holiday Shopping Season

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is encouraging holiday shoppers to check product recall lists and to educate themselves on how to avoid scams and fraud this shopping season.

“The holiday shopping season can be fast-paced and full of activities, but this is when it is most important to keep our guard up against potential scammers,” Carter said.  “Online shopping continues to be very popular as are gift cards.  While the convenience and wide variety of merchandise that the Internet offers is appealing, it is crucial that shoppers can spot red flags that can tip them off to a potential scam.”

While shopping online can be just as safe as shopping in a traditional store or by mail, the attorney general’s office experiences an increase in the complaints involving problems with Internet purchases during holiday seasons. It’s best to be informed of how to spot potential fraud and scams.

Computer and video games are also becoming popular gifts. More than 50 percent of these games are sold during the holiday shopping season. While these items can make great gifts, it is important shoppers make sure the games they give to young people are age and content-appropriate.

Carter offers the following tips:

• Check the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating before purchasing computer or video games as gifts online at www.theESA.com. The ESRB ratings are designed to provide information about the game content, so consumers can make informed purchase decisions.
• Research vendors and personal sellers before making any online purchases. Confirm an online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you need to get in touch with them. If you get an e-mail or pop-up message from the seller while you’re browsing that asks for financial information, don’t reply or click on the link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via e-mail or pop-ups.
• Know what you’re getting. Read the seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine print. Words like “refurbished,” “vintage,” or “close-out” may indicate that the product is in less-than-mint condition. Name-brand items with “too good to be true” prices could be counterfeits.
• Calculate the costs. Check out Web sites that offer price comparisons and then compare “apples to apples.” Factor shipping and handling into the total cost of the order and evaluate this final, complete cost against your budget and needs.

• Carefully choose payment methods. Be certain the Web site is secure and be suspicious if the seller states you can only pay by a money transfer service, such as Western Union, as it is difficult to track someone down without a paper trail. Do not send cash under any circumstances.
• Consider using an online payment service, such as PayPal, or your credit card, which protects your transaction under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Many companies do not hold consumers responsible for unauthorized charges made online, and some card issuers may provide additional warranty, return and/ or purchase protection benefits. Regardless of your payment method, always insist upon a receipt for your purchase.
• Maintain a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price, the online receipt, and copies of any e-mail(s) you exchange with the seller. Read your credit card statements as you receive them to be on the lookout for unauthorized charges.
• Check a company’s privacy policy before doing business with it. A company should allow you to know what personal information its Web site operators are collecting, why and how it will be used. If you can’t find a privacy policy — or if you can’t understand it — consider taking your business to another site that’s more security-conscious and accommodating to customers.

 “Avoid a headache this season, and spot a trick or scam before it gets a hold of you and your credit cards,” Carter added.  “By becoming a savvy shopper, you can ensure that your holiday shopping is safe and enjoyable.”

Carter also urges people to check your gift list with the national Recalled Products listings that can be found at www.IndianaConsumer.com.

“It is illegal to sell a recalled product in Indiana,” Carter noted.  “If consumers spot such items on retail shelves, they need to report that information to us for investigation.”

The Indiana Attorney General’s website www.IndianaConsumer.com provides useful tips and information on Internet shopping, charitable fraud and gift card purchases.  Use the link, and follow the directory to find a specific topic.

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