Q. What advice does BBB offer this year for a safe holiday shopping season?
A. There is already a high level of excitement and activity for the holiday season. Thanksgiving weekend is the traditional kick-off to the holiday shopping season. BBB's 2018 Holiday Guide, www.bbb.org/holidayhelper, is here to help you make the most of it.
Do your research. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org. We have BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.2 million businesses, from the most popular chains to local shops. Read past customers' experiences and see how the business responds to complaints. Look for the seal to find BBB Accredited Businesses.
Read the ads carefully. Black Friday is known for "door busting" sales, but sometimes quantities are limited or there are other restrictions. Last year, 99 million people shopped on Black Friday! Before you wait in line for hours or brave the boisterous crowds, be sure you know what's really being offered. For more tips: go.bbb.org/blackfriday
Shop around. Not all of the best sales or the best prices are in the big box stores. Thousands of small and independent businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday on November 24. Look for the "Shop Small" signs at local businesses for Small Business Saturday specials or visit www.shopsmall.com for a list of participating retailers. For more tips: go.bbb.org/shopsmall
Be safe online. Cyber Monday unlocks big savings online, but look for a small lock icon in the URL and an extra "s" for safety (https the extra "s" is for secure). Watch out for look-alike websites that mimic famous brands but that may be a scam. Use a credit card for online shopping, as it has more fraud protections than a debit card. Make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited email and social media messages. For more tips: go.bbb.org/cybermonday
Give wisely. Charitable giving is always high at the holidays when donors are feeling generous. Giving Tuesday on November 27 is all about being generous after the shopping frenzy. Make sure the charity you select will be a good steward of your money. Check out BBB's Give.org for charity reviews. For more tips: go.bbb.org/givingtuesday
Additional Tips for a Safe Holiday Season:
Gift Receipts: Always ask for a gift receipt. This way the recipient can return or exchange a gift if it's not just right.
Warranty Information: Inquire about the store's return policy and warranty information before purchasing. Also, be sure to pass along any information about returns, exchanges, repairs, and warranties to the person who will use the item.
Research: Read product reviews, check BBB.org's Business Profiles, look at the sales flyers and ads, compare prices, look for early promotions and "flash sales." For tips on searching online, check out BBB's Digital IQ. www.bbb.org/council/digitaliq .
Mobile Security: With so many shoppers using their mobile devices to research and make purchases, it's important to have a secure device. Be sure you're using the most up to date version of apps and operating system on your phone. Also, actively manage your location services, Bluetooth, microphone and camera – make sure apps use them appropriately as well. Check the app settings to make sure all apps have appropriate access to your information.
Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is vulnerable to thieves and fraudsters looking to steal your information. When in stores or restaurants, avoid using banking or other apps that access your sensitive personal information.
Email Phishing: With all the promotional emails sent during the holidays, scammers will be out in full force. It's best not to click on links from senders you don't recognize. Don't forget to "hover" your mouse over links without clicking to see if the address is really taking you to where it says it is. Also, check the reply email address. The address should be on a company domain. Look-alike domains.
Interest-Based Advertising: As you browse the web or use your favorite store's app, you might notice ads personalized to you, sometimes based on your previous web searches. This is called Interest-Based Advertising, which is often signaled by Ad Choices in the corners of ads. If you want to opt out of receiving this type of advertising, download the AppChoices app or visit youradchoices.com/ for information on how to opt-in and out of certain ads.
Back Up Your Data: Have an online backup option in case your device is attacked by hackers. You do not want to lose all your family's information and memories.
Look Out for Scams: If you suspect a scam, check out BBB Scam Tips to learn more (bbb.org/scamtips) or report scams to BBB Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker).
Charity Disclosure: Check out give.org to find BBB Accredited Charities that have fully disclosed information to BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Although participation is voluntary, you may want to be cautious of charities that don't disclose requested information to BBB.
What's In a Name: Be on the lookout for name similarities. Dubious charities often pick a name that sounds like a more famous charity. Before you give, be sure you have the exact name of the charity you want to support. Learn more about charitable giving at give.org.
Give a Guide: Request a free holiday issue of the BBB Wise Giving Guide to be sent to a friend or family member this giving season! The guide features evaluation results for thousands of charities. Simply email Guide@give.org with "Free Guide" in the subject line, and a name and address of where you'd like the guide to be sent.
Jim Winsett is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga