Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

In-Person Shopping

• Shop with family & friends.
• Carry only the cash & cards you need.
• Lock your vehicle.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of people who may try to distract you.
• Don't leave your purse and / or your packages freely in your cart.
• Have your keys in hand before leaving the store. If it's dark and you're uncomfortable walking to your vehicle, ask if security will escort you.
• Conceal purchases in the back of your vehicle BEFORE leaving for your next destination; NOT before going into a store.
• Practice patience. Expect long lines and don't engage in bad behavior.

Online Shopping

• Keep your operating system and software up to date.
• Shop on websites you've had positive interactions with.
• Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi.
• Only make purchases from secure websites. Look for the padlock icon. The URL in the address bar will start with https (instead of http).
• Use strong passwords & enable two-factor authentication.
• Do NOT click on unknown links and attachments. Misspellings and grammatical errors are red flags.
• Track your package delivery date. If you won't be home, have it delivered to your work or a trusted neighbor. You can also have it held for pick-up at the store or package handling center.
• Monitor your credit & debit card transactions for fraudulent charges.