Shopping Safety Guide for the Holidays
This Holiday season most of us will be running numerous errands involving shopping of one sort or another here in Katy and all across the US. It is extremely easy to get way too comfortable. Pay attention to your own instincts and to use basic common sense. As we all too well know it is a dangerous world ( getting more dangerous by the minute) all around us and we all need to pay attention to our surrounding and try to make sure all of us and our families stay out of harm's way.
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Here is a concise guide to shopping safety tips:
* Save all your receipts and put these into an envelope or box or some container so finding a specific receipt is not an issue. Don’t purge until after the bills are paid and then wait 30 days.
* Wait until it is time to pay at any establishment before pulling out wallet, checkbook or credit card. Make sure you get your credit card back from the store clerk. I advise not to pay with a check as it is too easy to create a phony check.
* Put your wallet inside a coat or front pockets of pants and carry purses close to your body. Don’t leave wallet or purse unattended for any length of time and never leave on a store counter top. Take only necessary credit cards with you and make a copy of all indicative data before leaving home.
*Pay attention to your own instincts and watch what is happening in front or behind you and even while you are driving. Drive in a mind zone of safety.
* Buy things that can be carried by you to your vehicle without any issues. If your purchases are too difficult for you to carry ask for assistance from the vendor and have security assist you.
* Have keys in your hands when approaching your car. Check your back seat, under car and all around before getting inside. There are people who hide under cars. Upon entering your vehicle lock doors immediately and start the car quickly.
* Make sure electronic door key has a fresh battery and actually works.
* Stay away from supposed bargains from unknown entities or areas. There are no such thing as a deal too good to be true.
* Many folks will not agree with me but do not use a debit card to pay for goods unless there is a discount offered and pin number can be entered in privacy. Debit cards are easy to hack.
* Immediately tell a security guard or store employee if you find an any unattended package.
* Only use secure websites for online purchases.
* Tell children of all ages that they can ask Mall Employees or Store Personnel for help if needed.
* One item many folks do not pay attention any time of the year is to not leave packages in the back seat or cargo area of vehicles where they can be seen. Put stuff in the trunk or cover it. Thieves walk the parking lots looking for packages in back seats or in the bed of a truck. We even have teenage thieves stealing from cars in Grand Lakes at night.
* Don’t respond to Emails asking for passwords or telling you to click on a specific link they provide. I have received numerous Emails telling me my MSN Email account will be closed if I do not respond right away by clicking on their provided link! There have been several others using all kinds of nonsense to get you to click on their link.
* Try to shop at or with companies you trust and know are legitimate. Watch out for companies who show up uninvited on your Facebook page.
* When leaving any shopping area be aware if someone is following you. If someone is following you do not lead them to your home but go to a local police department office.
* Always carry a charged cell phone with you in case of any emergency. having the ability to charge from your car is a big plus.
* If shopping at night ask mall or store security guards to escort you to your vehicle as you never know what could happen.
* If children accompany the shopping trip and are old enough to go alone have a central public meeting place and time set in advance. Make sure they bring their charged cell phone and promise to answer if you call. .
Shopping Safety Guide for the Holidays
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