DOS
November 21, 2023
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION ISSUES SCAM PREVENTION TIPS FOR CONSUMERS AS HOLIDAY SEASON APPROACHES |
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As Black Friday & Cyber Monday Fast Approach, the Division of Consumer Protection Wants to Make Sure Consumers heed warnings of Scammers Tips to Help Consumers Shop Safely Online as Holiday Season Gets an Early Start Secretary Rodriguez, “Don’t let cybercriminals steal your holiday spirit by scamming you out of your hard-earned money” Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection announces tips to help New Yorkers navigate the holiday shopping season. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday fast approach, this week’s tips are meant to empower New Yorkers with actionable fraud prevention tips, so they have greater awareness and control when shopping online this holiday season. “During the busy holiday season, shopping online can be a convenient way to buy the perfect gift but unfortunately it’s also a way for holiday scammers to take advantage of consumers by stealing their financial or personal information,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “Don’t let cybercriminals steal your holiday spirit by scamming you out of your hard-earned money. Protect yourself by following our tips from the Division of Consumer Protection.” New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento said, “Now that online shopping has become standard practice, consumers continue to be vulnerable targets for cyber criminals who seek to steal their financial information. Just as the public must be aware of their physical surroundings, we remind consumers to be aware of the online sites that they visit as well. Make sure the sites you shop are secure and that your computer and electronic devices are up-to-date with current security software. Don’t share your passwords and make sure you close your browsers when you are done shopping. Lastly, check your financial statements regularly to make sure you are not a victim of fraud. Consumers need to be vigilant in protecting themselves when shopping online.” Tips to Help Avoid Online Shopping Scams:
Tips for Using Credit Cards Online:
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time atwww.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. Follow the New York Department of State onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here. For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook:www.facebook.com/nysconsumer ###
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