In this report
Overview
Deep-discount come-ons
Gift-card gotchas
Extended-warranty pitches
Return-policy limitations
Restocking fees

5 holiday shopping traps to avoid

Last reviewed: December 2010
December 2010 issue cover This article appeared in
December 2010 Consumer Reports Magazine.
Illustration of woman on credit card tower
Illustration by A. Richard Allen

Finding the right gift at the right price can be challenging. Whether you shop online or at the mall, watch for these sneaky retailer tricks that can cost you precious dollars this holiday season.