Holiday Safety Tips

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Unfortunately some criminals look for crimes of opportunity during the holiday season. Please take extra precautions when you shop in stores or online. Please consider these holiday shopping safety tips:

Personal safety:

Before leaving your home, make sure your cell phone is charged and your car is in working condition.
If you typically keep your cell phone in a purse, keep your cell phone on your person in the situation someone does demand your purse.
Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Let someone know where you are going and what time you may be returning.
Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry your purse strapped across your body, not hanging on your shoulder. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
NEVER leave your purse or any valuables in a shopping cart.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a credit card whenever possible.
If you have to take a phone call or text message while shopping, don’t let your guard down and get distracted.
Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

In the parking lot:

Always park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
Walk briskly, confidently, and directly through the parking lot. Be cautious of people handing out fliers or asking questions in the parking area.
Watch for people who may be following you. This can occur inside as well outside the store. If you suspect that you are being followed, report it to the store or mall Security.
When returning to your car, look in and around your car while approaching it and/or before getting in.
Always lock your doors when you are driving or sitting in your car.
Do not leave packages or valuables in your car where they can be seen. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight before you reach your destination.

Shopping with children:

If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
Do not allow your children to wander or make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone or be left alone in the car.
Teach your children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.
Teach your children to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case they become separated from you.
Teach your children their full name, address, and phone number to give to police officers or mall security in the event they get separated from you.

Online shopping:

Before surfing the internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and antispam software, as well as a good firewall installed.
Refrain from using public Wi-Fi to make purchases or use a VPN to avoid hackers intercepting your information.
Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.
Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
Use only one credit card for online shopping. Should a data breach occur at major retailers and credit card companies, you can reduce the risk of having multiple cards compromised.
Save your receipts and monitor your credit card activity by reviewing your bill immediately or periodically checking the online app.
If you must use cash, don't take your money out until asked and don't flash a lot of cash.

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