'Tis the Season of Giving

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In this season of giving, we might be making our gift shopping list and checking it twice. We might be thinking about charitable donations before the end of the year. Whatever your giving plans, the Federal Trade Commission has suggestions to help you stretch your giving budget, reduce the chances your gifts come packaged with problems, and ensure your donations reach those you hoped to help.

Whether you’re shopping by phone, mail or online this holiday season, here are our top 10 tips to help you shop wisely and save a few bucks, too.

1. Make a list and a budget. Be sure you include incidentals – like cards, wrapping paper and eating out.
2. Check websites that compare prices for things sold online, and at stores in your area.
3. Pay by credit card. They give you extra protections – like the right to dispute charges and temporarily withhold payment during an investigation. Never mail cash or wire money to online sellers.
4. Buying online? Unless it’s a site or product you know well, put the company or product name in a search engine, along with the word “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” And be sure you can contact the seller if you have a dispute.

5. Have a safe checkout. Look for a URL that starts with https. (The ‘s’ stands for secure.) If there’s no ‘s,’ if you have doubts, or if you’re asked to email payment info, leave the site.

1. When shopping online, keep copies of your order number, the refund and return policies, shipping costs and warranties.
2. Check out product warranties. Although not required by law, warranties come with most major purchases.
3. Don’t give out sensitive personal information for a chance to win the newest tech toy or a free gift card – especially on sites you don’t know well. Your information can be sold or used to commit identity theft.
4. Look for rebates. Some can be redeemed at checkout, but most require you to send documentation to the manufacturer to get your rebate.
5. Shipping to loved ones overseas? Check the U.S. Postal Service’s calendar for shipping deadlines.

When it comes to another kind of giving, donations to charities, the end of the year is a busy season. Many charities – real and no-so-legit – will ask you to contribute. To be sure your money helps those you intend to reach, take your time. Tell solicitors for charities you are not familiar with that you need written information about the charity’s programs and expenses before you’ll donate. Never give to charities by wiring money or sending a prepaid cash card. And check it out: many fake charities choose a name that sounds like a real one. So, before you give, search online for the name of the organization, using the word “complaints” or “scam.”

As always, if you spot a scam, we want to hear about it. Go to ftc.gov/complaint to tell us about your experience. Every report makes a difference.  And to learn more, check out Tips to Avoid Charity Scams here!