Metro

New York warns shoppers to read the fine print

ALBANY, N.Y. — As New Yorkers load up their shopping bags and click through their favorite online stores, state officials are warning consumers to be cautious during the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush.

PHOTOS: BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING FRENZY

The state Consumer Protection Board wants them to understand potentially costly offers like warranty coverage and financing and to beware of less than stellar deals on “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday.”

Mindy Bockstein, the board’s executive director, says some consumers can get tripped up by stingy refund rules and high shipping costs. Reading store policies at the register or online can help avoid the pitfalls.

And consumers should protect their personal information by shopping only on sites that have a secure connection and an adequate privacy policy.