Summit County Sheriff Drew Alexander has some safety tips during the holiday shopping season that apply everywhere.
When you’re out and about:
- Be alert, don’t be too rushed or focused. Be wary of strangers approaching.
- ATM safety: Make sure doors are locked. Beware of location, bushes, lighting, and time of day. Don’t stay and count your money. If followed, go to police. Watch for shoulder surfing.
- Shop in daylight if possible, stay/park in well-lit areas. Hide packages in trunk. Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Carry your purse close to your body, with your wallet in the front pocket or zippered. Don’t leave your purse/wallet unattended.
- Pay with credit cards when possible and review credit card statements. Know what cards you have. If stolen report right away and get a credit report.
- Keep your keys out and lock doors. Report suspicious activity to police and use your your sixth sense.
For online shopping, Alexander has some other tips:
- Know who you are buying from. Make sure you are able to contact them.
- Do not give out personal information.
- Only conduct transactions on secure servers. Look for the little pad lock. The http should turn to https when asked for payment information.
- Have packages delivered to addresses where people are present.
- Understand return policies and shipping costs.
- Make sure you have antivirus and spyware on your computer
article courtesy of Wkyc.com
