Consumers are being reminded to be careful online and instore as the last‑minute Christmas shopping spree gets into full swing.
There have been more than 1,000 reports of injuries related to toys over the last five years, with consumers believing the products they bought were safe.
Toddlers and babies are particularly vulnerable to choking hazards.
Consumers should be vigilant about buying toys or Christmas decorations containing:
- Small parts that can break off or be removed that present a choking hazard;
- Small, high‑powered magnets that if ingested can stick together and cause severe digestive tract damage;
- Water beads that if ingested can rapidly expand and cause severe digestive tract damage;
- Button batteries that if ingested can cause a choking hazard;
- Rechargeable lithium ion batteries that present a fire or burn hazard if used incorrectly.
Mandatory toy standards aim to reduce the risk of small parts coming off products during play.
But parents should be aware that after reasonable wear and tear, many toys present an increasing risk of a choking hazard.
Parents are advised to always read instruction manuals and take note of warning labels.
This Christmas shopping season also presents a gift for scammers looking to catch shoppers unaware.
Anecdotal evidence suggests a surge in recent weeks of gift card scams.
Consumers should be aware a legitimate business would never ask for payment with a gift card.
The top five scams to be aware of this holiday season are:
- Fake retailer sites, especially “new” toy stores
- Parcel delivery scams, where a link in an email or text message gives scammers access to phones and computers
- Fake “unwanted presents” offered on auction sites
- “Hi mum” text messages where scammers impersonate family members claiming to have lost their phone
- Puppy scams that fleece consumers with fake puppy ads
Consumers should never click on a link in email or text message, not accept unsolicited phone calls and be suspicious about special deals and investment opportunities.
If in doubt, call the purported retailer back to authenticate any offer.