With the arrival of the holiday season, shoppers are hitting the streets and online stores to find the perfect gifts, but with the increase in shopping comes the heightened risk of theft and fraud. To shop smarter and safer during the festive frenzy, the city of Upper Arlington has shared a list of precautions that could save you a headache this holiday season. Topping their list is a tip to reduce the amount of cash you carry and opt for credit cards or checks, a safer bet to prevent the distress that comes with stolen currency.
For those darting in and out of stores, "don’t buy more than you can easily carry" a strategy to avoid being an easy target for thieves preying on overloaded shoppers, and if your arms are full, ask a store employee to assist you to your car, counsels the City of Upper Arlington's website. They also suggest making a lost-and-found plan with young children, which can be a lifeline in the bustling chaos of holiday shopping crowds, ensure they know how to find help, or better yet, have your contact information readily available.
Vehicle safety should not be an afterthought during holiday excursions; it's recommended to park in well-lit areas and keep your car locked at all times, with keys in hand before you return to it. Pay extra attention to your surroundings and the individuals around you, and before sliding behind the wheel, take a moment to inspect your car's back seat—a quick look can prevent unpleasant surprises.
With online shopping being a staple for many, protecting your personal information is as important as ever. Fraudulent companies and too-good-to-be-true deals can lead to financial loss and disappointment. Hence, always shop on secure websites identified by a locked padlock icon or an "https" URL, and keep track of your expenditures by saving all receipts, according to the City of Upper Arlington's guidelines. The city further recommends the use of disposable credit cards or money orders for those who prefer an additional layer of security when shopping online.
Finally, for those expecting holiday package deliveries, proactive measures such as home surveillance tech or coordinating with neighbors for secure package acceptance can thwart porch pirates. Registering your camera with local police assists you and your community by acting as a deterrent and aid if a theft occurs. Heading the advice from Upper Arlington's safety reminders, shoppers can confidently navigate the joys and perils of holiday shopping, knowing they've prepared to minimize the holiday hustle's potential risks.
