To help ensure consumers have a harmonious shopping experience this holiday season the Federal Trade Commission has whistled these 12 tweets for shoppers about watching their wallets, buying wisely and protecting personal information. The agency is also encouraging them to post the advice on their pages.

 

These recommendations also benefit responsible businesses and charities whom by doing the right thing will be justly rewarded. With the ability of social networking to spread word about organizations at the speed of light it does pay to be nice.

 

Here are the FTC’s (News - Alert) tweets:

 

1.         Plan and pay. With layaway, you get the goods after paying in full. But what if you miss a payment or want your money back? Visit ftc.gov

 

2.         Save every receipt. Keep copies of the refund and return policies, your order number, shipping costs and warranties. Visit ftc.gov

 

3.         Many happy returns? Maybe not. Merchants have different refund and return policies for sales and clearance items. Visit ftc.gov

 

4.         All in the cards. Gift cards sold on online auction sites may be fake. Before you buy, get the expiration dates and fees. Visit ftc.gov

 

5.         Treat a gift card like cash. If it’s lost or stolen, you may be out the whole amount. Report it to the issuer right away. Visit ftc.gov

 

6.         Don't get scrooged by e-mails seeking personal information. Don’t reply, click the link, or paste it into a browser. Visit ftc.gov

 

7.         ‘Tis the season to be wary: of a charity that won’t provide information in writing: mission, costs and where the money goes. Visit ftc.gov

 

8.         Ho Ho NO? Sites promising easy credit – no matter what – are tempting for a shopping spree but chances are they’re scams. Visit ftc.gov

 

9.         Wire beware. Despite the story, if a seller insists you wire money, you probably won't get the items or your money back. Visit ftc.gov

 

10.       Jingle sells. Don’t take a check for more than your selling price; don’t wire back the extra. It’s a scam. Visit ftc.gov

 

11.       Make a list and check it twice. If it costs money – gifts, cards, wrapping paper, parking or snacks – add it to your budget. Visit ftc.gov

 

12.       No go on the BOGO? Is "Buy One, Get One Free" really a bargain? If you don't want or need the extra item, it's not a deal. Visit ftc.gov

 

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