Black Friday and Cyber Monday are considered the kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Shoppers are searching for bargains, but thieves are also on the hunt for easy targets.
Here are a few tips to keep you safe while doing your holiday shopping:
• There is always safety in numbers. Shop with friends and relatives instead of going alone. Each of you can look out for each other.
• Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket. Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart or in plain view in your vehicle.
• While checking out, keep your credit card covered to prevent a thief from shoulder surfing to obtain your account number.
• Park in well-lit, well-trafficked areas of the parking lot at stores and malls. Avoid secluded and dark areas, as confrontations won’t be seen and yells for help won’t be heard.
• Always lock your vehicle.
• Never buy more than you can carry.
• Stay alert while you are walking to your car. Talking or texting on your phone or digging in your purse for your keys while walking is a distraction and makes you an easy target.
• Check the back seat for potential criminals before getting back in your car.
• Out of sight out of mind. Place packages in the trunk or cover them with a blanket so they cannot be seen by peering eyes.
• Ask to have your packages delivered. Though this costs a little, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of carrying your things to the car and then unloading them when you get home. Women carrying a lot of packages are often targets for criminals because such shoppers are distracted and not as mobile.
• Be careful about posting your shopping status on social media as this lets criminals know you are not at home.
• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
Shopping Online:
• Before surfing the internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software as well as a good firewall installed.
• Keep your personal information private and your password(s) strong and secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact.
• Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Watch out for cyber scammers sending phishing emails. If you get an e-mail touting a great sale, it is better to copy the web address from the email and key it into your browser. Never click on the link.
• 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 company that you are unfamiliar with.
• Check the return policy before placing the order.
• Check your credit card statement to be sure there haven’t been any unauthorized transactions.
For additional information regarding emergency preparedness contact the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency at 936-3740.
