Attorney General Jackley Warns South Dakotans of Holiday Scams

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging holiday shoppers to remain vigilant against fraud as the shopping season intensifies, warning that scammers are as active as ever.

“Scammers never take off the holidays,” Jackley said. Consumers need to be careful whether they are shopping online or in person. Always verify.”

The Attorney General’s office highlighted several specific schemes prevalent this season. One common tactic involves unsolicited emails or text messages claiming that a package is awaiting delivery. These messages often instruct the recipient to click a link for instructions, which can lead to malicious sites or data theft.

Another physical scam involves gift cards sold in stores. Shoppers are advised to scrutinize gift card packaging for signs of tampering, specifically checking that the scratch-off code area has not been compromised before purchase.

“Before you sign for an unexpected delivery, click on a strange website or email, or agree to buy something over the telephone or Internet, always take a few minutes to check out things first,” Jackley stated. “Don’t let anyone rush you into a decision or purchase.”

The Consumer Protection Division released several guidelines for safe shopping:

·        Online Security: Ensure websites are secure by looking for "https" in the web address. Avoid offers that seem "too good to be true," and never provide a Social Security number for a standard purchase.

·        Payment Methods: Use credit cards rather than debit cards when shopping online, as they offer better standard protections if information is stolen.

·        Red Flags: Be wary of messages with misspellings, poor grammar, abnormally long phone numbers, or demands for urgent action.

·        In-Store Policies: Review return policies and potential restocking fees, and check expiration dates on gift cards.

If you believe you have been a victim of a shopping scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at consumerhelp@state.sd.us or call 1-800-300-1986.