Gov. Lamont warns of back-to-school scams in Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Consumer Protection Commission say busy shopping periods like this one can attract fraud.

News 12 Staff

Aug 15, 2025, 10:50 AM

Updated 2 hr ago

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The back-to-school season is here, and Connecticut officials are warning families to be on the lookout for scams—especially when shopping online.
Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Consumer Protection Commission say busy shopping periods like this one can attract fraud.
“Consumers should always be mindful anytime they shop, especially during busy shopping seasons like the back-to-school period,” Lamont said in a statement.
“Connecticut offers many protections for consumers, and we encourage everyone to know your rights and protect yourselves,” he added.
The Consumer Protection Commission shared tips to help avoid scams:
  • Be wary of fake advertisements—if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Review return and refund policies before checking out. If they’re hard to find, that’s a red flag.
  • Use a credit card, which offers the most protection against fraud.
  • Watch out for phishing scams, like fake delivery warnings. If unsure, don’t click the link.
Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week starts Sunday, Aug. 17 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. Clothing and footwear items under $100 are exempt from sales tax.