It’s that time of year again when we begin to buy all our holiday gifts. Unfortunately, while we are doing our shopping, criminals may be doing some of their own by stealing packages that are delivered to your door or left in unlocked cars.
This time of year also brings about higher potential for robberies and, with the growth of online sales, increases in online scams.
To help keep you safe during this potentially high-crime time, we have listed some tips below.
1. Try to schedule your deliveries around times someone will be home.
2. If you are not able to be home during deliveries, you may want to talk to a trusted neighbor or apartment office and have them picked up or dropped off there.
3. To protect against online theft, be sure to only buy from sites you know (i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, Amazon and more) that display the “https” safe browser symbol. It may be wise to maintain a separate checking account with a debit/credit card that is only used for online shopping and only contains enough money to get your shopping done.
4. When getting money out of the ATM, be aware of your surroundings, only use ATMs that are in well-lit areas and (if possible) have a trusted friend or family member keep a watch out while you withdraw your money. Also, be sure not to take out large sums of cash, only taking out what you need for your immediate purchases.
5. Beware of phone and online scams. Never give away any personally identifiable information such as your date of birth, passwords or bank-account information.
While shopping for deals online remember, your purchases at Amazon Smile can help the Tri-County Crime Stoppers raise funds to educate the public and pay rewards for anonymous tips, all at NO EXTRA COST to you. Simply click the link below and shop as normal. Items that are Amazon Smile eligible will say so in the description of the product. Once you purchase your product, Amazon will donate a portion of your sale to the Tri-County Crime Stoppers. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/41-1407660
