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Consumer Affairs issues holiday-scam warnings and tips for Palm Beach County residents
Summary
Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs aired a public advisory summarizing common holiday scams — imposter calls, gift-card scams, QR-code parking fraud and identity theft — and urged residents to verify contacts, avoid links, keep receipts and use official county resources for help.
The Palm Beach County Office of Consumer Affairs used multiple on-air segments to warn residents about common holiday and everyday scams and provided steps to reduce risk.
Investigators stressed that many scams rely on urgency and unfamiliar payment methods; examples included fake online storefronts that request payment via gift cards or untraceable methods, imposter calls requesting personal data, and QR-code stickers on parking signs that redirect payments to scammers. County staff advised residents not to click unknown links, to verify suspicious contacts by calling official numbers printed on cards or statements, and to purchase and gift cards directly from retailers and retain receipts.
The broadcast cited federal data on losses tied to gift-card scams and reminded viewers that, under Florida law, store gift cards and gift certificates generally do not diminish in face value or expire. Investigators provided county contact information for help and additional resources (pbcgov.com/consumer and (561) 712‑6600) and urged caution when using public Wi‑Fi for financial transactions.
Why it matters: The seasonality of holiday shopping and a rise in online and mobile transactions increase consumer exposure to scams. County Consumer Affairs framed outreach as preventive and actionable, with multiple short advisories and practical steps for vulnerable residents, especially seniors.
What’s next: Consumer Affairs said it will continue public education via the county website and television spots and recommended residents contact the consumer-affairs line for mediation or reporting of suspected fraud.
