Your Safety is at the Top of Our Wish List
Crowded malls, packed parking lots, and even internet shopping sites are all opportunities for criminals to take advantage of holiday excitement to steal your belongings, your money, or your identity. We hope the following shopping safety tips help to keep your holiday season happy!
Shopping Trips
♦♦ Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
♦♦ Dress casually and comfortably.
♦♦ Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, or jewelry that looks expensive.
♦♦ Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. If you must carry them, keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purse close to your side and in your grip. Better yet, carry a purse with a shoulder strap and wear the strap over your head and across your chest.
♦♦ Always carry your identification along with only the necessary cash, checks and/or credit cards you expect to use. Don’t carry your social security card or flash large amounts of cash. Keep your cards and cash in your front pocket.
♦♦ Although you may be rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Report unusual activity or behavior to security or a store manager.
♦♦ Double-check to be sure your debit or credit card was given back to you, and never let your cards leave your sight.
♦♦ Notify the card issuer immediately if your debit or credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
♦♦ Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
♦♦ Avoid overloading yourself with packages. Maintain clear visibility and freedom of motion.
♦♦ Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason! At this time of year, con-artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
♦♦ Park in well-lit areas and remember where you parked. Being unable to locate a car can cause you unnecessary confusion and stress that may make you an easier target to a criminal.
♦♦ Use parking shuttle services and security whenever possible.
♦♦ Keep your car locked at all times, with packages locked in the trunk and out of sight.
♦♦ Don't leave cell phones, purses, CD cases, or any other valuable items in your parked car where they can be seen. Always conceal these items.
♦♦ Walk with authority, always making eye contact with others.
♦♦ When returning to your vehicle look around, inside and under your vehicle before opening it up.
♦♦ Have your keys in your hand so that you won’t be distracted fumbling for them or give criminals more time to approach you; keys also make good weapons for self-defense.
♦♦ If using an ATM, use one in a busy well-lit area, and have a friend with you if possible. Guard your hand when keying in your PIN so that others can’t see.
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