Holiday shoppers urged to get informed
As the gift-buying season kicks into high gear with extended holiday hours, shoppers should make sure they are careful with their purchasing transactions to guard against fraud, Solicitor General and minister responsible for consumer protection, Kash Heed said today.
“Crowded malls at this time of year can make shopping stressful and distracting but if consumers have the right information beforehand, they can shop wisely, know their rights, and take steps to protect their money and purchases," said Heed. “Gift card rules introduced last year also protect buyers by ensuring they get what they paid for.”
Shoppers should know that the details of a debit card can be stolen and used to withdraw money from their account without their authority.
To help prevent debit card ‘skimming’:
- Don't let anyone see you punch in your personal identification number (PIN).
- Look for signs of a tampered PIN pad.
- Don’t let your card out of your sight.
- Always check your bank statements.
Identity theft refers to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. To help stop identify theft:
- Never leave your purse or wallet unattended.
- Don't give out personal information, especially over the telephone.
- Memorize your passwords and PINs.
For more information and tips to prevent consumer fraud, visit Consumer Protection BC’s websiteReview your bills and credit card statements regularly.
If you think your identity has been stolen, report the incident to the police immediately and report all stolen cards to the appropriate agencies.
Consumers can also protect their interests by familiarizing themselves with gift card regulations. The B.C. government passed legislation last year to ban expiry dates on most cards.
When buying gift cards:
Remember that most cards are not permitted to have expiry dates. The exception is if the card is for buying goods at any store in a mall, or if the card is for a specific service such as a manicure or haircut. If you purchase a mall card, you may also be charged a fee for the card.
Read the fine print. Cards with expiry dates and fees must contain disclosure information. Any card purchased prior to November 1, 2008, when the new rules came into effect, may have an expiry date.
Ask questions of the retailer. You may want to know whether the card is redeemable online, or if there are replacement charges should the card be lost or stolen.
Keep your receipts. It’s always a good idea to keep receipts for any consumer transaction.
For more information and tips to prevent consumer fraud, visit Consumer Protection BC’s website at .
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