Fraud Alert: Holiday Shopping Safety
“And We’re Off!!!”…Holiday Shopping Safety
‘Black Friday’ is like the starting gun for the 100-yard dash; we’re on a sprint through the holiday season. Here are some safe shopping tips courtesy of the Broomfield Police Department Sub-station at Flatirons Mall:
- Plan your trip during daylight hours, plan your route, and take a friend along. Discuss safety tips, on the way, with your friend;
- Limit the credit cards you carry to 2 and minimize the amount of cash you carry; don’t flash a lot of cash! Take your cell phone with you;
- Park as near as possible to the entrance of a retail store or mall. Park in a busy, visible, well-lit area and take note where you are parking so you can walk confidently and with certainty when returning to your car;
- Be aware and vigilant concerning your surroundings at all times; do not leave packages or your purse sitting on a floor, table or across the back of a chair in a restaurant or Food Court;
- Keep your eye on your credit card, carry your purse close to or across your body and put receipts away in your wallet;
- Don’t overload yourself with packages. Better to take some items back to your car and secure them out-of-sight in the trunk;
- If using an ATM machine to get additional cash, better to use a machine at your bank than an independent, free-standing ATM. Have your card out and ready and scan the area to make sure it appears safe. Have someone watch you, if possible. Don’t leave your transaction receipt in the ATM;
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A good rule is, “Better safe than sorry!” Many malls will arrange for someone to walk you to your car, if necessary.
A few reminders can assist to keep you safe and ensure a bright and merry holiday season.
Source: District Attorney Scott Storey, Office of Jefferson/Gilpin Counties, Colorado
To report fraud, ask a question, or schedule a ‘Power Against Fraud’ seminar, call: 303-271-6980
