Caution urged for shopping season The News Herald, November 28, - TopicsExpress

Caution urged for shopping season The News Herald, November 28, 2013 From staff reports Black Friday will officially kick off the Christmas shopping season. Those braving the long lines looking for holiday deals also need to keep in mind that this also is the season for criminals to strike preocuppied shoppers. “The holiday season is right around the corner, and shoppers are crowding malls and discount stores to buy the latest gadgets and find the best deals. Shoppers need to make sure they are not neglecting their safety,” Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant wrote in a media release. “This time of year attracts more shopping-related criminal activity because of the larger crowds and the extended store hours. These factors and the usual distraction of shopping, creates a more favorable environment for petty thieves and other offenders.” To help protect consumers while shopping for holiday deals this season, Whisenant has offered the following tips. “A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative,” he said. “When going shopping, tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you to return. Also, make sure they know what you are wearing, as well as the type of vehicle you are driving.” It also is best to shop during daylight hours. Those who shop at night, should park their vehicle in a well-lit area. Other tips include: » Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry. If carrying cash, keep it in a front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Also, store car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. » Pay careful attention to surroundings and avoid being overloaded with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. » When returning to the vehicle, check around it and in the backseat. Be aware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Have car keys in hand to avoid spending unnecessary time unprotected from the security of a vehicle. » If feeling uneasy returning to a vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them for an escort. During this time of year, busy holiday shoppers become careless and vulnerable to other crimes as well. Credit card fraud and gift card fraud are on the rise. Taking a few preventive measures can help. When it comes to credit card fraud, there are several ways consumers can work to protect their financials. “Keep a close watch on a credit card every time it is used, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Never write a PIN number on your credit card, do not leave credit cards or receipts lying around,” Whisenant wrote. “Shield your credit card number so that others around you can’t copy it or capture it on a mobile telephone or other camera. Only carry needed credit cards. Shred anything with a credit card number written on it.” Consumers also need to be aware when shopping online. “If planning to make an online purchase, make sure the Web page where the credit card information is entered is secure through Secure Socket Layer. Look for the gold lock or key icon at the bottom corner of your browser window,” Whisenant wrote. “If you’re not comfortable submitting your information through the Internet, call the seller and give them your information over the telephone. Never send your credit card information via email.” Before ordering online, consumers should check out the company and only do business with companies that provide a physical address and telephone number. “Keep good records,” he said. “Always print out a copy of any online products or services you purchase.” Of late, there also has been an increase in gift card fraud that consumers should be aware of. “Never buy gift cards from online auction sites. This is a large source of gift card fraud. Many of the gift cards are stolen, counterfeit or used,” Whisenant wrote. “Only buy gift cards directly from the store issuing the gift card or from a secure retailer’s website. “Don’t buy gift cards off of publicly displayed racks in retail stores. Only purchase gift cards at the sales terminal from the cashier. Always carefully examine both the front and back of a gift card before you buy it. If you see a PIN number, ask for a different card. If the card looks like it has been tampered with in any way, put it back.” Consumers also are encouraged to ask the store cashier to scan the gift card while watching. This will guarantee that the card is valid and that it reflects the correct balance. “Always keep your receipt as a proof of purchase as long as there is money stored on the gift card. If possible, register your gift card at the store’s website. As always, shoppers should never give their Social Security number, date of birth or any other unneeded private information when purchasing a gift card. No reputable company will ask for this information.