Safe Holiday Shopping

There is nothing like the joy surrounding holiday shopping. Shelves are filled, hearts are eager, and the holiday spirit is in the air. But like anything, things can take a negative turn if we’re not careful. Shopping on Black Friday and beyond can present some safety risks. Be sure to take some extra precautions this year during your shopping sprees.    

Theft Risks

As we know, the holiday season is full of excited shoppers. It’s easy to become distracted and get carried away amongst the chaos, and perhaps misplace wallets and purses.  

• Be sure to keep your belongings close to your body or inside pockets.  

• Crossbody bags are a great way to keep hold of your items.  

• Keep cash hidden until ready to pay at a register. 

• Save all of your receipts after purchases. 

 

Shopping with Children

Malls will be crowded, loud, and sometimes overwhelming. Children can easily become lost or worse, in harm’s way by another person.  

• Hold your child(s) hands as much as possible, especially when navigating through crowded areas. 

• Designate a central location to return to in case of separation.  

• Teach your children how to ask employees or security guards for help if they become lost. Make sure they know your name and phone number. 

 

Car Safety

Parking lots can present risks of their own especially as it gets dark earlier during the holiday season. It is extremely important to be on guard when entering and exiting your vehicle. 

• Try to park in a well-lit area. 

• Keep valuables with you or well-hidden in your car compartments. 

• Lock your vehicle as soon as you exit it, and as soon as you return inside of it to drive home. 

• Start driving home as soon as you return to your vehicle. 

• Be aware of your surroundings while backing out of your parking spot; the surrounding areas will most likely be crowded. 

 

Online Safety

In-person shopping certainly has its risks, and online shopping can be quite similar. It is truly a luxury being able to holiday shop from the comfort of your home, but make sure you are being smart about it. Holiday scams and identity theft will be in full force. 

• Shop from retailers you know and trust. 

• Attempt to stick with retailers you have previously bought from. 

• If purchasing from a new retailer, do extensive research to confirm its validity. 

• Use credit cards over debit cards for possible reimbursement needs. 

• Avoid making purchases on a public Wi-Fi network. 

• Never save your personal information to websites. 

  Holiday shopping is one of the greatest joys of the season. We want you to stay safe and cautious to ensure the safety of you, your loved ones, and your personal information. Follow these tips to stay safe this season. Happy shopping, friends! 

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