Shopping Safety - Holidays

As the holiday season is upon us, Christmas shopping becomes a joyful yet bustling activity. However, amidst the excitement of finding the perfect gifts, it is essential to prioritize safety. From crowded malls to online shopping sprees, being aware of potential risks can help ensure a stress-free experience. This guide offers practical tips and strategies to safeguard yourself, your belongings, and your financial information, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating the spirit of giving with friends and family. Whether you are braving the stores or browsing online, keeping safety in mind will make your holiday shopping experiences safe for you and your family.

---

Before Shopping

• Before leading home:
  • Turn off all lights & blow-out all open flame candles before leaving home
  • Never leave children home alone without an adult or child 13 years of age or older
  • Avoid shopping alone
• Plan on shopping during daylight hours. If dark:
  • Shop with a friend
  • Park in well-lighted space
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • Keep your purse or wallet with you
  • Keep valuables out of plain view in your car

---

During Shopping

• Once you park, if you have children, never leave them alone in a:
  • Car, or
  • Public location, such as in a store, playground, etc.
• ​Do not carry too many packages-lock them in your car trunk or not in plain view  
  
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep credit slips-tear & discard later

• Wear your purse strapped across your body and wallets in front pocket
• Use credit or bank ATM card or checks rather than carrying cash.
• If ATM is used, use as “credit” so you do not have to use your PIN number
• If you need an ATM, use one located in a mall, store, or well-lighted location
• In public restrooms-do not hang a purse on handles/hooks and never on the floor
• If you have a child:
  • Always go with your child when taking them to the restroom
  • Use the shopping cart safety belt for a child
  • On escalators-hold a child’s hand facing them forward and make sure shoes are tied

---

After Shopping - Walking to your car or home

• When leaving the stores, if dark or late at night ask security to escort you to your car
• When walking to your car:
  • Walk confidently with your head up and noticing surroundings
    
    • Walk in well-lighted and well-traveled area where there are lots of people
      
  • Be aware of people around you. Scan the area around your car. Make sure nobody is hiding nearby-If someone looks suspicious report them and request for an escort
    
  • Have your car key or remote in your hand and ready to unlock your car
    
• Once at your car:
  • Look inside to make sure nobody is hiding
    
  • When loading purchases put your purse in first, then children, packages, etc.
    
  • Once in vehicle, lock doors immediately
    

---

Remove your baby first!

Once you return to your Home

• Take infants & toddlers from car and into to home first, then remove gifts
  
• Keep all wrapped gifts hidden in closets, not under your tree, so they are out of sight to prevent a burglary
• Put gifts under you tree on December 24th

---

Consumer Shopping Protection
Select the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to get help to keep you safe during online and other types of shopping during the holidays, and throughout the year.

---

Back to Christmas