Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The Stafford County Sheriff's Office offered these holiday shopping safety tips.

Shopping in Stores

• Do not buy more than you can carry.
  
• Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
• Save all receipts.
• Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit. 
• Walking to and from your car deter pickpockets by carrying your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle.
  
• Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

• Before surfing the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed.
  
• Keep your personal information private and your password secure. 
• Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
• Beware of “bargains” from companies with whom you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address.
• Shop with companies you know and trust. 
• Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
• Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.