Virginia’s attorney general is reminding residents to beware of scammers when they do their holiday shopping and give to charity this year.

Attorney General Mark Herring says online shoppers should pay by credit card when possible and always make sure that the retailer has a registered physical address and phone number, among other things.

He’s also urging residents to always buy gift cards from reputable sources or directly from the store instead of purchasing it from secondhand or online.

Herring says Virginians should always verify that the charity is registered with the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs. He says residents should never donate cash or use a wire transfer.

Residents can find more information or file complaints with the attorney general office’s Consumer Protection Section.