Your Guide To Safe Holiday Shopping
Holiday shopping can be dangerous for your wallet in more ways than one. Potential criminals take advantage of this busy time of year to do some “shopping” of their own, namely, looking for their next victim. For your safety and the safety of your newly purchased valuables, review Pasco Sheriff’s Office’s holiday shopping safety tips below.
Between the holiday deals, decorations and myriad of shoppers, there is a lot to take in while shopping at traditional brick-and-mortar stores, making it all too easy to overlook dangerous individuals hiding in plain sight. Remember, safety begins the moment you pull into the parking lot. As you arrive, park in a well-lit and highly visible area to make yourself a less desirable target. Before you head into the store to shop-til-you-drop, don’t forget to roll up your vehicle windows, hide large or valuable items under seats and lock your doors.
There are opportunities for crime to occur even during your walk from the parking lot to the store, no matter how short the distance. PSO encourages you to remain aware of your surroundings throughout the entire shopping trip; this includes being mindful of your purse and wallet. One of the best ways to deter crime while out shopping is to shop with another person or in a group of people you trust — thieves are far less likely to target people in a group. If you’re shopping with children, ensure you include them in your safety planning by designating a specific meeting spot in case you get separated. As you make purchases throughout the trip, consider taking large items home. These items are much harder to conceal in a vehicle and can attract wandering eyes.
In this digital world, you now have the option to complete your holiday shopping from the safety of home. While this may seem convenient, i.e., no lines, there are just as many dangers online as there are in person. This doesn’t mean you need to close out browsing windows and uninstall apps; you just need to be cyber smart. Start by connecting to a secure Wi-Fi network, as public networks are at significant risk for data interception, malware or identity theft. When choosing a site to shop from, ensure it’s legitimate by checking for http:// at the start of the URL. Once you’ve selected your items and it’s time to check out, consider using a credit card instead of a debit card — they offer better fraud protection.
Being alert while shopping isn’t just for in-person stores. While browsing online, be cautious of phishing attacks through emails, phone calls and texts, and avoid clicking on links or pop-ups. Scammers often use these methods to steal your personal information and money. An additional avenue for online shopping is peer-to-peer marketplaces. If you are shopping or selling online, use in-app messages to communicate and avoid sharing unnecessary personal information. When it’s time to meet up, add layers of protection by bringing a friend and completing the transaction in secure apps.
No matter how you shop this season, whether online or in person, keep safety at the forefront. Share these holiday shopping tips with friends and family to help us make this season bright for everyone!
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