The holiday season is a time when busy people can become vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. Here are a few tips to help you be more careful, prepared and aware during your shopping excursions during this holiday season.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your
surroundings.
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If possible, don’t carry a purse or wallet. Always carry your drivers license or identification card along with necessary cash, checks or credit cards. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Pay for purchases using a check or credit card when possible. Watch your credit card slips being filled out and make sure it is not passed through the card reader more than once. Ask for your carbons and destroy them at home.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. (It’s a good idea to check with your credit card company or bank on a daily basis via online web sites.)
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- 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.
- When parking, familiarize yourself with the parking lot. Park where there is plenty of light. Keep your car locked at all times.
- When walking through parking lots, be sure you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority.
- Lock packages or other valuables in the trunk of your car, but do it somewhere other than where you are parking.
- Walk to your car with your keys in your hands and ready to use.
- When you leave your car, it’s a good idea to leave the front seat up towards the steering wheel, like when someone is getting in the back seat. As you approach your car, if the seat is moved back to its original position, you should not approach your car.
- For those of you with automatic door lock devices, be extra careful. Activating the “unlock” feature unlocks all doors. It is very easy for someone to open the passenger side door and jump in as you are getting settled. Unlock only your drivers door with the key when you get to your car.
- Never leave your purse unattended in your shopping cart. Always keep it on your person.
- If you ever feel nervous, do not hesitate to ask a store employee for an escort to your car. They will be happy to assist.
These are only a few tips. If you have any to add to the list, feel free to post them.
1 comment:
Identity Theft Prevention Tips:
Be sure to sign the back of your credit cards! It is OK to write please check ID beside your signature, but if you don't sign the back of your credit card, the clerk has nothing to compare your signature to.
NEVER leave mail in your mailbox to be picked up. Hand it directly to your carrier, or drop it in a secured mail drop yourself. A raised flag on a mailbox screams
"there's something in here" to
potential thieves!
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