How to Stay Safe Shopping in Person or Online

The day after Thanksgiving is a huge day for retailers and shoppers, but it also presents many opportunities to would-be criminals.

With the holiday shopping season upon us, law enforcement agencies are offering tips to those planning on hitting the retailers around town or online. 

Here are some tips for safe in-person shopping:

• Keep packages and other valuables in the car trunk and out of sight.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card.
• Carry a purse under your arm with the strap across your body.
• Put wallets in an inside pocket of your jacket or front pants pocket. 
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• If shopping after dark, shop with a friend if possible.  
• Always park your car in a well-lit area.
• Always check the interior of your car before you unlock the door to get in.
• Lock your car doors and windows even if you are only gone for a few minutes.

The National Crime Prevention Council also cautions against buying more items than you can carry, warns shoppers to save all their receipts and suggests having your keys in hand when approaching your car.

For those who opt to avoid the crowds and purchase holiday gifts online, the FBI offered these tips last year:

• Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
• Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.
• Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
• Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.
• Log on directly to the official Web site for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited e-mail. If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.
• Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify that the e-mail is genuine.
• If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.