Holiday Shopping Safety
Holiday shopping can be a joyful and fulfilling experience, and it can be easy to let your guard down. When you’re excited and in the spirit that can contribute to you being a bit more trusting with our actions. Also, if you’re busy and you are exhausted. Both of those are perfect examples of when we let our guard down. And it's important to prioritize safety, especially in crowded and potentially hectic environments.
Here are some tips on how to stay safe when holiday shopping:
1. Plan ahead:
Create a shopping list of what you need to get and where you need to get.. this will help you stay focused and minimize the time spent in busy stores.
Set a budget. This will help you not overspend and reduce the risk of financial stress.
2. Consider shopping online:
That will help crowded stores and also with your mental health right? Especially those who are a bit introverted or have anxiety in crowds.
Online shopping comes with it’s on set if precautions. Make sure you are using reputable websites. If you are unsure of the site, either don’t use it or consider researching it on places like the better business bureau to make sure it is legitimate. You can look for reviews or even ratings as well. The location and contact me pages may prove useful as well. If the information is vague or non-existent, this may be a red flag.
Make sure the site has secure payment options, by looking for "https://" in the URL. The “S” means secure.
Beware of phishing emails or fake websites. If you click a link from an email and get redirected to another site, make sure the site is still the original retailer.
3. Shop during daylight hours and in well-lit, busy areas:
If you do shop in-person, visit well-lit and crowded shopping centers or malls.
Avoid isolated parking lots or areas. When you are alone or isolated you are an easier target.
This includes parking areas as well. Highly visible, well lit areas can be safer.
4. Use the Buddy system:
Shop with a friend or family member, if possible. There is safety in numbers.
5. Be aware of your surroundings:
Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Avoid distractions like talking on your phone or listening to loud music. That makes you more vulnerable.
Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up. Don’t sit in your car going over your list or counting money. Counting cash is really never a good idea while you are out in public. If you must check your list, do it somewhere well populated. Once you are finished in one place, move on to your next destination.
Load your car quickly then get in and get yourself secured.
6. Protect your belongings:
Carry only what you need and keep your wallet, purse, or bag secure.
Be cautious about leaving packages or shopping bags in your vehicle, especially in plain sight. If you have to, try to keep them in a trunk or somewhere they aren’t visible. Even under a seat can help. Often with car break-ins, they are looking through the window for something they can smash a window and grab quickly. Even change in your cupholder can be inviting.
Again, lock your doors. Often thieves will walk a parking lot trying door handles until they fine that is open.
7. Trust your instincts:
If something doesn't feel right or you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave, and if you need to, find someone to help like a store employee or security officer.
8. Emergency contacts:
Have a charged mobile phone with you in case you need to call for assistance.
Let a friend or family member know your plans and check in with them periodically throughout your day.
9. Use cash sparingly:
Using credit cards or mobile payment methods when possible will help minimize the need for carrying large amounts of cash. And if something happens to your card, you can always call and report it. Or you may have the option for card controls that will allow you to turn the card off or basically stop anyone from being able to use it.
If you do choose to use cash, try not to pull large amounts out of your wallet or pocket. It shows people how much you have and it makes you an attractive target.
10. Keep personal information secure:
Be cautious when providing personal information to retailers. That includes things like travel plans or party plans. If someone overhears you, they will be aware of things like when your house is empty and unprotected as well as all the nice things they’ve watched you purchase that will be there waiting.
Safeguard your credit card information and ensure your purchases are secure. Be aware of putting a pin number in where people can see. Also, don’t leave your cards lying around. Make sure to secure them immediately after use.
11. Check return policies:
Familiarize yourself with the return policies of the stores you’re shopping in order to make sure you can easily return or exchange items.
12. Keep your receipts:
Save all receipts and record purchase details, just in case you need to make returns or report any issues.
Remember that safety should be a top priority during the holiday shopping season. By planning ahead and staying aware of your surroundings, you can reduce the risks associated with shopping during this busy time of year.
BONUS TIP
This about card controls that may be available for your credit and debit cards. First Pioneers FCU offers such controls and they are handy for many reasons.
Available controls for First Pioneers debit & credit cards:
· You can push the card info to your wallet on your phone. In that instance, you can then use the wallet for the transaction versus the card.
· You can turn the Card Off/On
o Its instant – it won’t stop any pending or automatic transactions, but it would stop new transactions. If you think you left your card somewhere or someone gets your wallet, you can use the app on your phone to turn the card off.
· Set transaction limits and choose merchant types where the card can be used.
· Set a location where the card can be used.
· Subscribe to alerts that are sent to your phone, notifying you of all card transactions.
o Months Transaction History available. This helps you budget and track spending. You can also get a detailed breakdown of what, when, and where your card has been used. This will include location information if the transaction took place in a store. It will also provide the merchant’s phone number if that’s available.
· If you are choosing to use your Digital Card for a transaction, you can see it within the app whenever you need to.
· Cardholders can set up travel plans when vacationing or traveling. You can set up to 2 travel plans per card. You are able to place up to 15 destinations (countries or states) per travel plan.
These controls and features are not only great for security, but for just general budgeting and tracking spending and convenience.
If you have a First Pioneers card, this is all available on the app. If you haven’t checked out, you should!
If you don’t have one of our cards, check the cards you do have and use to see if you have any of these features available to you and if you do, get familiar with them.
Many of us will be doing a lot of shopping and even traveling coming up as we get full swing into the holiday season, and the features like this can truly make that all easier and help you have peace of mind.
And of course, if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call or even come by and we are happy to help you! Thanks and we hope everyone has a happy joyful and safe holiday season.