**CONSUMER ALERT**

CFO Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Thanksgiving Holiday Scams

~ Stay Alert for Scammers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday ~

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis warned consumers to beware of potential scams surrounding Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday as Floridians begin their search for holiday shopping deals and offers. CFO Patronis offered tips to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft this year, as consumers are expected to spend 19% more than they did last year during the Thanksgiving holiday. In 2023, American’s donated over $3.1 billion to charitable causes during Giving Tuesday.

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “As Floridians begin to prepare for the holidays and take part in Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, please be aware of scams, particularly on the internet. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest shopping days of the year, and also the season for scammers to take advantage of generous, kind-hearted consumers. The only way to combat these bad actors and not become a victim of fraud is to know the signs of a scam. All Floridians should keep an eye on their bank accounts and monitor any suspicious activity. Avoid grinch-like scams this holiday season by visiting FraudFreeFlorida.com to learn more about common scams, report fraud in your area, and ensure that your time of Thanksgiving and gift-giving with family and friends remains jolly.”

Tips to Protect Yourself from Thanksgiving Holiday Scams:

1. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Be careful of unfamiliar merchants and be extra wary of items listed at prices well below those of other shops. The ultimate bargain may really be bogus or stolen goods.
2. Use a credit card instead of cash or debit. Credit cards offer consumer protection if things go wrong with a purchase.
3. Be careful of credit and coupon offers. Those last-minute deals that offer discounts in exchange for opening up a new credit account can be a trap to make you divulge financial information.
4. Watch your account balances. Monitor your checking, savings, credit and any others for unauthorized charges or deposits. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
5. Research the charity before you give. Search the name plus “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam.” Organizations like the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Watch, or Candid are reliable charity research sites.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis 
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).