CHICAGO — Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is urging residents to shop responsibly and protect personal information this holiday season. Mendoza recommends setting a budget, tracking spending, comparing prices, taking advantage of cash-back offers, and avoiding last-minute purchases or “buy now, pay later” plans that can lead to debt. Shoppers are also advised to use secure websites, strong passwords, and credit cards for online purchases, and to be wary of phishing emails, texts, and suspicious package alerts. Mendoza emphasized checking statements regularly and reporting fraud if necessary to avoid scams and overspending during the holidays.


