As the new school year approaches, families are being cautioned against falling victim to back-to-school shopping scams.

The state's Consumer Protection Division is advising consumers to pay close attention to return and refund policies.

If a refund policy is not clearly posted, customers are typically entitled to a full refund or store credit within 30 days of purchase, provided they possess a receipt.

Credit cards and gift cards are recommended for transactions due to their heightened fraud protection.

Furthermore, individuals are advised to be wary of counterfeit coupons circulating on social media platforms.