Consumer Services

Practice Safety This Holiday Season

Christmas is just a few weeks away and many Americans will soon hit the stores and officially launch the holiday shopping season.  But savvy consumers looking for bargains aren't the only ones anticipating the holidays.  Criminals also look forward to the season, but for a very different purpose.  The holidays are a time when criminals are on the prowl looking for easy targets.  However, you can keep your family out of harm's way by practicing a few safety tips. Staying Safe While Shopping

• Remember to always lock your vehicle, even if you're only gone for a few moments.  Make sure that all packages are in the trunk of your car.
• Shop with a buddy and try to go shopping during daylight hours.  Avoid going alone to the mall if you can.
• Don't carry a purse.  Try to keep your wallet or money in an inside pocket.
• Have your car key in your hands before leaving the mall.
• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. As you approach your car look around and inside of it.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. 
• Park in well-lighted areas that will be well-lighted when you return.

Keeping Your Credit and Identity Safe

• Safeguard your credit cards and checks as you do cash. Do not leave them in jacket pockets or sitting out in restaurants, stores or hotel rooms.
• Make a list of all your credit cards, debit cards and checks with account numbers. Keep the list in a secure place at home.
• If your card is lost, stolen or misplaced, notify your issuer immediately.
• When making a purchase, be sure to collect your license, credit card, or check book and your receipt.
• Keep your receipts and reconcile your statements. Promptly report any discrepancies to the issuer.
• If buying online, shop with companies you know.  If you don't know the company, ask them to mail you a brochure or catalog.  Be wary of companies that do not have a phone number staffed by people whom can provide you with information.
• It's better to use the internet to window shop and place your order by phone. 
• Never give out your social security number.

Another important thought to remember is to spend within your budget. Although this takes tremendous discipline, it can be accomplished.  When making any holiday purchases, only spend money that you have and if you make purchases with credit, try to pay it off as soon as possible so that you don't incur interest charges.  This way, you'll avoid kicking off the New Year with buyer's remorse when your credit card bill arrives in the mail.

Back to Top Page Last Edited: Mon Nov 21, 2011 12:09:46 PM