To advise safe holiday shopping practices, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Midwest Plains (bbb.org) has launched a newsletter.
The 2024 holiday shopping season is upon us, and BBB is here to help consumers shop safely. With American Thanksgiving occurring later this year on Thursday, November 28, many retailers are preparing by extending store hours and offering early sales to maximize shopping days. Deloitte projects holiday retail sales to increase by up to 3.3%, reaching $1.59 trillion, though inflation may still affect purchasing power.
As online shopping continues to grow—potentially by 9%—so does the risk of online scams. BBB Scam Tracker reported that 41% of scams in 2023 were related to online shopping. Shoppers need to be vigilant, especially with the possibility of product shortages.
BBB is launching a new consumer newsletter offering practical tips for safe shopping, including:
- Always verify the BBB Seal at BBB.org.
- Research products and retailers, and read customer reviews.
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Look out for fake websites and ensure URLs start with “HTTPS.”
- Use traceable payment methods, such as credit cards, for extra protection.
- Report any suspicious or unsatisfactory purchase experiences to bbb.org or BBB Scam Tracker.
This holiday season, stay informed and stay safe by signing up for BBB’s newsletter and following their expert guidance for a stress-free shopping experience at bbb.org/mwpnewsletter.
BBB’s mission is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.