Protect Yourself While Shopping This Holiday Season

County freeholders, in conjunction with the county's Division of Consumer Affairs, remind shoppers to check the national list of recalled toys before going online or to stores this holiday season.

They also advise residents to know their rights about rain checks, gift cards and item refunds.

"Consumers need to be alert and know their rights this holiday season," Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez said in a statement issued this week. "You might be surprised by this information provided by our Division of Consumer Affairs, such as when a gift card is permitted to expire. I urge you to be diligent when out shopping and make sure you are aware of each store's policy.

"Also, don't let yourself get distracted by all of the hustle and bustle, because, unfortunately, there are people who fall victim to scams all year round."

Things you should know:

Rain checks

Retailers must offer a rain check to all customers when advertised merchandise is not available for purchase, unless the merchandise is advertised as being available in a specific quantity or in "limited supply."

When a rain check is issued:

* The retailer has 60 days to honor the rain check, unless the consumer holding the rain check agrees to an extension;

* If the item costs more than $15, the retailer must give written or telephonic notice to the consumer when the item becomes available;

* After such notice is given, the item must be held for the consumer for at least 10 days or the end of the 60-day rain check period (whichever is greater).

Refunds

Retailers must conspicuously post their refund policy for all merchandise in one ofthe following locations: Attached to the item itself; affixed to each cash register or at the point of sale; situated as clearly visible to the buyer from the cash register; or posted at each store entrance used by the public.

Gift Cards

No gift card or gift certificate can expire for five years after purchase nor can a dormancy fee be imposed within the first 24 months following purchase or within the 24-month period following last use of the gift card.

After 24 months of non-activity, the issuer may charge a maximum dormancy fee of $2 per month.

Gift cards must include a telephone number to call for information about its expiration date or dormancy fees.

Store Layaway

Know the terms of the store's layaway plan. Do not assume layaway is free.

Online Purchases

Be certain the website is secure or uses encryption before entering personal and credit card information–look for "https" in the website address.

Verify the business operates from a real location and be wary of businesses that only list a post office box as an address.

Find out how the business resolves consumer disputes by reading the posted "terms and conditions."

Print out a transaction record for each purchase and keep it to resolve any issues regarding the item being purchased.

Never click on links contained in unsolicited e-mails from purported shopping websites.

Toy Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has authority to issue recalls for unsafe or dangerous toys. Consumers can check the list of recalled toys via the division's website at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/recall/recalls.htm.

Charitable Giving

All charities doing business in New Jersey must be registered, unless the charity raises less than $10,000 annually and does not use paid fundraisers to solicit donations. To verify whether a charity is registered, check the online registry maintained by the state Division of Consumer Affairs at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/charity/chardir.htm.

Know the warning signs of a scam!

If you receive a telephone call from a charity asking for a donation:

* Avoid being pressured into making an immediate donation;

* Beware if you are offered a prize or gift in return for your donation;

* Do not give credit card information to an unknown person over the telephone;

* Never agree to have a messenger or delivery person come to your home to pick up your donation.

When receiving a solicitation for a donation by mail, remember:

Trinkets and other items accompanying the donation request are gifts. You are not required to send a donation because you received a trinket or item.

Be dubious if the charity claims you made a past donation or pledge but have no record of it.

Ignore harassing letters that demand payment of a donation pledge that you have no record or recollection of making.

Consumers may file complaints with the Camden County Division of Consumer Affairs online at www.camdencounty.com.