Nixon tells consumers to check holiday receipts

But a Missouri law that went into effect Jan. 1 can help consumers fight identity theft or unauthorized purchases that could occur when credit card information is stolen.

Under the new law, retailers are prohibited from disclosing more than the last five digits of a credit or debit card account on any sales receipt provided to cardholders, according to a news release from Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Nixon is asking consumers to be on the lookout for receipts that don’t comply with the law; in the past few weeks, Nixon has received complaints about retailers that are continuing to show entire credit or debit account numbers on customer receipts. Those retailers have been contacted, and Nixon’s office also is sending letters to trade and business organizations in Missouri, asking them to make sure their member businesses are fully aware of the law.

“This is the busiest time of the year for consumers to use credit cards as they wrap up their holiday shopping,” Nixon said in the release. “Missourians need to pay close attention when making such transactions to be sure merchants are complying with the law.”

Consumers who find violations of credit card number disclosure laws can contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 392-8222, or visit www.ago.mo.gov.