POSTED: Thursday, December 20, 2012 --- 4:40 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The Wisconsin state agency dedicated to fraud prevention has some tips for shoppers to ensure a merry shopping and gift return season.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection says shoppers should learn how refunds and returns work before they buy gifts.

The department cautions that a retailer's return policies for purchases made online may differ from its in-store policies.

Other tips include providing a gift receipt or sales slip when giving a gift, keep items in their original packaging to avoid a restocking fee and make returns quickly to avoid missing the return window.

Additional information can be found, and complaints can be filed, at datcp.wisconsin.gov.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press