As Christmas shopping spins into high gear, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is releasing the 2017 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide.
Bondi's office says the guide provides product safety information and tips to help consumers enjoy a safer and more satisfying holiday shopping experience.
In the guide, consumers can find online purchasing tips and advice for avoiding charity scams.
Additionally, the guide includes a list of items recalled by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission in the past year, specifically focusing on children’s toys and items that pose a particular risk to kids and teens.
The holidays are a time to be especially mindful of ways purchases can cost more than expected.
As online shopping is many consumers' preferred way to shop this year, people are advised to protect their financial information when purchasing online.
Consumers should pay with a credit card rather than a debit card; ensure the browser is using a secure connection; contact debit and credit card account providers to see if the providers offer one-time card numbers to be used for online transactions; and keep receipts and be sure to understand retailers' return policies and periods so consumers can return any unwanted items in a timely manner and get a full refund.
If a consumer has any questions on product recalls or any other issues discussed in the guide, he or she can contact a state hotline at 866-9-NO-SCAM or visit MyFloridaLegal.com.