Thursday, October 2, 2025

Safe Holiday Shopping in Florida

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Holiday Consumer Protection Guide Released by Florida Officials

Staying Safe from Fraud and Porch Pirates

The holiday shopping season is here, and unfortunately, that also means a few Grinches are lurking, waiting to take advantage of Florida consumers.

2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide

To help residents stay safe, Attorney General Ashley Moody and other officials released the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide on Wednesday. The guide is expected to provide tips for staying safe from fraud, resources for reporting shady businesses, and more.

Online Shopping Tips

When shopping online, Moody recommends consumers to be cautious of deals that are too good to be true. Also, make sure to use secure payment methods.

Porch Pirates Face Serious Consequences

At a news conference on Wednesday, Moody stood alongside the sheriff-elect of the Miami-Dade Police Department and the current police director to emphasize the penalties porch pirates face this holiday season. She says $12 billion in packages was stolen in 2023 alone.

Porch Pirate Penalties

"It’s now a third-degree felony if you take something from a porch if it’s over a certain amount, and that’s a very serious thing," Moody said. "If you are watching and thinking of taking packages that folks are trying to buy for their family and friends to celebrate the holiday season and you think you are going to steal those, it will be a felony."

Fake Charities

The state is also keeping a close eye on fake charities. It’s important to verify the authenticity of organizations on websites like charitynavigator.org.

Fake Charity Scams

"We oftentimes see these organizations modify a name ever so slightly to match a legitimate charitable organization, and that will sometimes trick people into going online and making donations," Moody said.

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but it’s also a time for fraudsters and porch pirates to try and take advantage of consumers. By being aware of these scams and taking steps to protect yourself, you can have a safer and more enjoyable holiday season.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if I think someone is trying to steal a package from my porch?
A: If you see someone trying to steal a package from your porch, contact the authorities immediately.

Q: How can I verify the authenticity of a charity?
A: You can verify the authenticity of a charity on websites like charitynavigator.org.

Q: What are the penalties for porch piracy?
A: Porch pirates face serious penalties, including third-degree felony charges if the stolen package is valued at over a certain amount.

Q: What can I do to stay safe while shopping online?
A: To stay safe while shopping online, be cautious of deals that are too good to be true, and make sure to use secure payment methods.

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