Holiday Shopping In Montana? Keep Your Money Safe This Year

Preparing For Montana’s Biggest Shopping Season

We are just days away from the biggest shopping season in not just Montana but all across America.

With Black Friday deals already rolling out, now’s the perfect time to brush up on some smart and safe shopping tips.

Beware: The Holidays Are Prime Time For Scammers

The one thing to remember is that this time of year is also prime time for scammers.

In the rush to get all the presents and gifts you need, you might be less vigilant because of holiday stress.

Always gather information and know exactly what you’re buying, and what is exactly is being sold to you.

Smart Shopping Starts With Research

Here are some tips for keeping yourself safe when buying in person.

• Check refund policies
• Does the product have restocking fees for returned items?
• Check for fees and expiration dates on the gift card
• Compare prices
• Review warranties before you make a purchase

As for making those purchases online, here are some more tips for making sure you don't get scammed or, worse, your identity stolen.

• Place orders from a secure connection
• Avoid purchases that seem “too good to be true”
• Don’t purchase from an e-store that requires more information than necessary
• Make unique passwords
• Look for “https” on the website, not “http”
• Use a credit card, not a debit card, for purchases
• Check the company’s shipping and return policies

The biggest tip is to just be vigilant, and by doing that you'll ensure that this holiday shopping season no one will be scamming you.