Great Lakes Wire

As Cyber Monday approaches, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has issued a consumer alert to help online shoppers avoid scams and deceptive tactics during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of vigilance in ensuring a safe shopping experience.

“Cyber Monday can be a great time to score holiday savings, but you should always do your research so scammers and deceiving online tactics don’t turn the joy of buying into a nightmare,” said Nessel. “By watching out for deceptive patterns, securing your devices, and protecting your personal information, you can enjoy a safe online shopping experience.”

To assist consumers, Nessel provides several tips for online shopping. Shoppers are advised to verify the legitimacy of online retailers by checking physical locations and customer service contacts before making purchases. An image search of products is recommended to confirm their origins and pricing. Using credit cards for transactions is suggested due to their dispute protections.

Consumers are encouraged to use separate email accounts for shopping purposes to manage communications efficiently. Protecting personal data by avoiding sharing sensitive information through unsecured channels is crucial. Additionally, understanding privacy policies before proceeding with purchases is advised.

Nessel warns against falling for dark or deceptive patterns that retailers may employ, such as misleading notices about product availability or fake demand messages designed to pressure buyers into quick decisions.

Security measures are highlighted as essential steps before engaging in online shopping activities. Keeping anti-virus software updated and using pop-up blockers are recommended practices. Public Wi-Fi users should consider installing VPNs for secure data transmission.

For those using mobile devices, setting up security features like remote wipe capabilities and find-your-device options can protect personal information if devices are lost or stolen.

Consumers encountering fraud or needing assistance with complaints can reach out to the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team through various contact methods provided.