The holiday shopping season is upon us.  It can be fun, but it can also be stressful, strenuous, and even dangerous. Whether you are shopping in-person this year or from the comfort of your home, take the time to review these tips to keep you and your newly purchased presents safe.

Holiday Shopping Tips:

• Avoid carrying cash. You may want to limit your credit card spending—however, if you lose your credit card, it can be replaced. Cash cannot.
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards. Security protections are different.
• Don’t carry more weight than you can handle.
• If shopping in-person, try to take a shopping buddy along who can not only help you carry your purchases but can stay alert of your surroundings and any suspicious characters.
• When entering the parking lot, scan the area for anyone loitering, even during daylight hours.
• If shopping alone and you decide to drop purchases off at your car before continuing to shop, scan the area for anyone watching you put your purchases in your vehicle before going back into the store. If someone nearby seems suspicious, move your vehicle to a different parking lot to avoid a potential break-in and your newly purchased items from being stolen.
• If you feel like you’re being watched or followed, immediately go back into the store or shopping center and look for a security guard. Request an escort to your vehicle.
• Have your car keys ready in your hand to avoid fumbling for them at your vehicle.
• Pay attention to vehicles parked directly next to yours. Is anyone in the vehicle? Is that person next to the driver’s side of your vehicle? If you feel uncomfortable, go back inside and request an escort to your vehicle. Trust your instincts.
• If shopping online, be sure the websites you’re using are secured by looking for the lock symbol to the left of the URL.
• Avoid those online purchases that are “too good to be true”—they usually are. Do some research on the vendor before committing to a purchase.