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Holiday Shopping: Safety Tips

by: sahil | last updated: December 21, 2009
Category: Smart Shopping | Tags: Holiday shopping, holiday shopping safety, shopping safety tips, shopping christmas shopping, safe shopping, shopping

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Holiday Shopping: Safety Tips

Holiday shopping is an exciting activity for many people and brings with it the satisfaction and joy of buying presents for others and social bonding. However this excitement and joy can turn out to be short lived if you become the victim of a crime or fraud. It may sound like a cliché but being safe is better than being sorry. Here are some tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings safe during this holiday season.

Avoid using cash. Using cash during holiday shopping is dangerous since once the cash is stolen or lost there is very little that a person can do to get the amount back. It’s advisable to use credit cards instead of cash.

Shop during daytime. Most of the thefts occur during night and shopping during the day reduces the chance of a theft. Moreover shopping malls and supermarkets are less crowded during daytime making it easier to shop in an organized manner.

Shop together. Shopping together will not only help in being safe it may also get you some discounts if you plan to buy things in bulk. Taking along your friends or family can also turn out to be exciting and socially stimulating.

Credit card safety. Always use only one credit card if possible so that it becomes easier to detect and prevent theft and fraud. This is especially true if you are shopping on-line.

Avoid crowds. Crowded shopping malls are happy hunting grounds for con-artists and pickpockets so it is better to shop during off-peak hours when it is less crowded.

Eggs in your basket. Avoid keeping all your cash and credit cards in one place; keeping everything in your wallet may lead to complete loss if it is stolen.

Avoid using wallets. Wallets can be easily relieved by criminals and are vulnerable to thefts; avoid taking them along when you shop.

Avoid overloading. It’s advisable not to overload yourselves so much that you cannot keep count of the things that you have bought. Moreover it can hamper your visibility and movement making you vulnerable to an attack or theft.

Keep a backup. Keep all your credit card related information in a safe place in your home so that in case of theft or loss you can quickly contact the credit card company and get your card blocked.

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry. The holiday season is an ideal time for chain snatchers and thieves who can disappear with your precious belongings in a jiffy. It’s also advisable to wear simple clothes so that you do not stand out in a crowd.

Keep things in your pockets. Keeping your belongings such as credit cards, cell phones, and other paraphernalia in your pocket will ensure that you do not forget these items in a restaurant or when you are shopping.

Keep things in the trunk of your car. Keeping your things in the trunk of your car will ensure that they stay out of sight of any criminals or fraudsters.

Home safety. Keep the doors and windows locked if you go outside even for a few minutes as this decreases the chance of a theft significantly. Furthermore, keep your precious belongings locked in a safe or in a closet.

Your family. If you take along your kids for shopping ensure that they know what to do in case they get lost or if you get separated.

Vehicle safety. Holiday season means crowded parking lots and an increased risk of auto theft; ensure that you park in a well lit area and lock the doors and windows of your vehicle before leaving it.

ATM safety. Choose an ATM that is in a safe location such as a shopping mall or a supermarket. Avoid ATMs that are located in secluded or isolated locations.

Drive safely. Traffic in holiday season usually increases and ensuring that you follow traffic rules and drive safely will reduce the chance of accidents and unpleasant events.

Take stock. If you are shopping in bulk then take stock of all the things that you have bought and the price that you paid for it. Compare this data with the credit card statement so that any discrepancies can be sorted out quickly.

When you are away. If you plan to leave your home for some days then notify your neighbors, friends or the nearest police precinct so that your home stays safe in your absence.