Shop Safely This Christmas

The National Crime Prevention Council has put together a list of holiday shopping safety tips. Keep them in mind when shopping in stores or online this Christmas.

• Do not buy more than you can carry.
• Save receipts from store purchases and print all receipts for online purchases.
• Don’t take out your checkbook or credit cards until it is time to pay. Thieves “shoulder surf” to get your account information.
• Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside of a coat or your front pants pocket.
• Have your keys already in-hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the backseat, under and around the car before getting in.
• Lock packages in the trunk or place them so they are not visible inside the vehicle.
• If you are shopping with small children, make a plan in case you become separated from them. Select a meeting place and tell them to seek help from mall or security personnel.
• If you are shopping online, update your security software before you start shopping.
• Keep your personal and password information secure. Do not respond to any request to verify your password or other personal information unless you initiated the contact.
• Beware of bargains from unfamiliar companies. Remember that if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
• Use only secure websites to make purchases. Look for the locked padlock icon on your screen or “https” in the web address.
• Shop only with companies you know and trust. If you want to buy from a company that you are unfamiliar with, check for background information first.

Remember to use common sense at all times; don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays make you forget to make wise decisions. Slow down, be patient and above all, be careful when shopping this Christmas.