2024 Holiday Sales Expected to Surpass $1 Trillion, Setting the Stage for Increased Consumer Risks

Today, standing alongside law enforcement leaders, members of the Florida Retail Federation, and representatives from the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General Ashley Moody released the 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide as Floridians brace for an unprecedented shopping season. With holiday sales projected to exceed a staggering $1.1 trillion, a historic high, consumers are urged to be more vigilant than ever amid the excitement and urgency of holiday shopping.

Last year, holiday sales hit $964 billion, and this year, spending is anticipated to surge past the trillion-dollar mark—a reflection of the growing enthusiasm for holiday purchases. However, the record level of consumer spending also signals a heightened opportunity for scammers to take advantage of the rush. Adding to the urgency, there are five fewer days between Black Friday and Christmas, tightening the window for gift-buying and potentially leading consumers into risky situations.

Attorney General Ashley Moody emphasized the significance of this milestone and the accompanying risks: “As we enter the busy holiday season, scammers may try to exploit the excitement and target consumers. This year, with five fewer shopping days and a projected $1 trillion in holiday sales, bad actors may use the increased urgency to take advantage of consumers. Our 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide is packed with useful tips and a list of recalled items to help shoppers navigate the holiday shopping season.”

With $1.1 trillion on the line, the stakes are higher than ever. Moody’s guide includes crucial tips to help consumers safeguard themselves, avoid fraudulent schemes, and protect their holiday investments. The guide also highlights product recalls and advice on protecting against porch pirates, as online shopping and deliveries hit new peaks during the holiday season.

Key Takeaways from the Guide:
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• Shop Smart in a Trillion-Dollar Season: As consumer spending soars to unprecedented levels, stick to trusted retailers and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Secure Your Payments: With trillions in transactions, credit card fraud risks rise. Use secure payment methods with fraud protection and avoid wire transfers or gift card purchases from suspicious sources.
• Keep an Eye on Charities: The season of giving is also prime time for scammers. As donations flow during this record-spending season, make sure contributions are going to legitimate causes.
• Protect Your Packages: Online purchases, expected to reach new heights, mean more packages on doorsteps and an increased risk of theft. Last year alone, 58 million Americans were victims of porch pirates. Attorney General Moody recently backed legislation to impose stricter penalties on such thefts, making it a third-degree felony to steal property valued at just $40 or more.

The 2024 Holiday Consumer Protection Guide offers practical tips for navigating the busiest—and most expensive—shopping season in history, helping Floridians ensure that their money is well-spent and that they’re not among the millions who fall victim to scams each year.
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To view the full guide and stay ahead of holiday scammers during this trillion-dollar season, click here.