HUNTSVILLE, Ala-. With Christmas behind us, many shoppers have items that may need to be returned or exchanged. The Better Business Bureau of North Alabama (BBB) is urging consumers not to delay, warning that post-holiday returns often come with tighter rules and higher risks.

According to the BBB, many retailers adjust their return policies during the holidays, shortening return windows or requiring receipts that clearly indicate deadlines. Waiting too long could leave shoppers stuck with items they cannot return. The agency also encourages including gift receipts whenever possible, which can prevent frustration if a gift is the wrong size, color, or fit.

BBB of North Alabama President Carl Bates also cautioned that scammers frequently target people looking to avoid the hassle of returns, particularly through social media platforms. “We saw that pop up on social media where people would say, ‘If you don’t like dealing with your returns, I’ll take care of them for you. My company will handle it. We’ll even pick them up, or you can ship them to me,’” Bates said.

These schemes often follow a similar pattern: victims ship merchandise or pay a fee for pickup, believing someone else is handling the return. Communication then ceases, and the items and refund never materialize.

The BBB advises consumers to act promptly but carefully. Shoppers should return items directly through the retailer whenever possible and exercise caution with third-party offers that seem overly convenient.

As the holiday season winds down, the BBB reminds shoppers that patience and a careful review of return policies can help prevent a post-holiday headache and avoid costly losses.