20 Days

Holiday shopping is a time when people use credit cards to make gift purchases. Whether you are shopping IRL (in real life) or online, you may choose to pay with a credit card. 

Learn how to keep your credit card accounts safe from those who would like to get their hands on your information and your money.

More shopping will be done online this holiday season than ever before, and not just on Cyber Monday. 

Be smart and shop safely at all times by reading the Consumer Alert Online Shopping – Be Smart, Stay Safe to protect your personal information and your money. 

Before you make a charitable donation this season, we want to ensure you’re aware of the facts first.

To help residents give wisely, review It’s the Season for Wise Charitable Giving for a few helpful tips. 

Would you willingly pay someone $20, $30 or even $50 more than a product costs just for them to order it for you online? Well that's essentially what drop shipping is.

Visit our website to learn how to avoid wasting your money while shopping online this season. 

Did you know merchants are not required by law to accept returns unless the items are defective or not as represented? Always double check the return policy before you buy and visit our website to learn how to avoid unhappy returns.

Did you know: if a scanner charges you more than a displayed price, you may be entitled to a refund and a bonus? 

Download our Scanner Law reminder card so you never forget your "Scanner Error Bill of Rights."

Michigan retailers may charge you a surcharge for using your credit card, but not for using your debit or a pre-paid card. How much they may charge depends on their agreement with their credit card processor.

Visit our Credit and Debit Cards - Surcharges Consumer Alert to ensure surcharges don't come as a surprise. 

Complaints involving suspicious credit card charges are on the rise. 

Learn how to avoid unauthorized charges and how to address these concerns if they arise by viewing the Attorney General Consumer Alert Credit Cards - Did I Charge That? 

If it looks like a great deal, be sure to take a closer look at the small print. Rebates require you to pay full price today and get money off on a future purchase.  

Check out What a Savvy Consumer Should know about In-Store Rebates to learn more. 

Thinking of surprising your loved one with a furry friend this season? Michigan is one of the top 10 states for complaints about pet store puppies.

Read our Puppy Scams tips to avoid becoming a victim. 

Small businesses have been hit hard during the pandemic. They may struggle to provide the product ordered and just to stay open for business. 

See how to protect yourself if you have transactions with a business that suddenly closes.

Worried about porch pirates? Consider these tips:

Ship to an Amazon Locker or Fed Ex Office
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery or tracking alerts
Arrange delivery to your job
Keep your porch well lit
Leave lights, television, or music on at home when absent. 

Did you know Michigan law requires merchants to honor gift cards and certificates for at least five years from the date of purchase?

Review our Gift Cards and Gift Certificates Consumer Alert to understand exactly what merchants owe you. 

If you have ever been denied credit, unable to get a loan, or if you have creditors calling you, it might be a good time to check your credit reports. You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three reporting agencies every 12 months. 

Find out why you should check your credit reports annually at Free Annual Credit Reports: What consumers should know. 

As we wrap up the #20DaysofScams, we want to be sure that you know how to reach our Consumer Protection team to file a complaint online, by fax, or U.S. mail. Learn more about our complaint process.