Thanksgiving means holiday sales and shopping amps up: Iowans are cautioned by the Iowa Attorney General to be careful. Attorney General Bird’s office has some tips for shopping smart and scam-free this Black Friday weekend.
The following are ways Iowans can protect themselves:
- Always Use a Credit Card: Credit cards offer stronger scam protection than debit cards that can prevent large financial losses.
- Shop on Websites You Trust: Stick to well-known, online retailers and don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.
- Be Wary of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Always double check.
- Shop Local: Buy from small, local businesses that the community knows and trusts.
- Strengthen Your Account Security: Enable two-factor authentication on shopping accounts for an added layer of protection.
- Monitor Your Bank Accounts: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges.