“This Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Unfortunately, it’s also prime time for consumers to get ripped off,” Morrison said. “So many people are shopping--both at retail locations and online--it’s easier to get taken advantage of.”
There are many reasons consumer complaints increase between Thanksgiving and Christmas:
- The sheer volume of purchases.
- Consumers are in a hurry.
- Increased online shopping.
- Consumers looking for the best ‘deal.’
- Failure to read the small print on warranties, refund policies and gift cards
- Numerous gift returns and exchanges.
“Throughout the holidays, my Consumer Protection Division will be working overtime helping Kansans be smart consumers,” Morrison said. “We plan to spread information on a variety of consumer topics to make sure Kansans have happy holidays this year.”
Morrison says that the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office typically sees a lot of complaints involving refund problems, rebates, gift cards, charities and secret shopper scams.
“I encourage consumers to visit our Web site at www.ksag.org for more information on shopping smart this holiday season,” Morrison said.
Morrison will engage in an aggressive consumer education strategy for the next month. He will promote consumer tips, charitable giving tips and work with media to provide the “12 Days of Consumer Protection” prior to Christmas Day.
“The more information we provide to Kansans, the fewer consumers will be victimized this holiday season,” Morrison said.
For helpful links, tips and educational information on holiday shopping visit: http://www.ksag.org/content/page/id/299.
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