Ellen Phillips If you’re like me, you’re somewhat paranoid this time of year – with good reason. Holiday disappointments can mean scams that promise an extra discount on internet shopping but instead malware jumps onboard when you click on the link. Or perhaps, you pay for a holiday sale, where the 50-percent-off sign at 3 p.m. turns out to be an early-bird special from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the register rings up full price. These and other Scrooge-worthy attacks can mean the difference between a happy holiday or a bah humbug. We can protect ourselves in many ways simply by utilizing old-fashioned common sense.
This shopping season is prime time for pickpockets, carjackers and other dangerous criminal acts. Some of the best ways to thwart these are pretty simple. For instance:
– Handbags are a thief’s quick-income source. Pickpockets are as likely to grab your purse as slip their hand into a pocket to remove money and more. Fashionable bags are targeted more than “run-of-the-mill” versions, which makes a tight hold all the more imperative. Not only should we hold the purse close to our bodies but also in front where it is less likely to be grabbed. (Cross-body bags are especially inconvenient for thieves, while backpacks are one of their juiciest targets. Never place a purse on the floor or on a chair back. (I’m sometimes guilty of the latter, even though a friend lost hers just that way.)
– Be aware of your surroundings. Innocent shoppers are relieved of their wallets or bags most often in crowded areas. Always be aware of diversions around you: loud talking, dropping an item and pretending it’s yours, asking for directions, the list goes on. Watch for anything out of the ordinary. These rascals are sly and quick.
– Empty your wallet. You don’t need to carry umpteen credit cards and, particularly, nothing with your Social Security number. I advise carrying one credit card (unless you’re plan to make a purchase from a store where you have a store credit card) and a single form of ID such as a driver’s license when on routine shopping excursions.
– Watch where you park. Well-lit areas are crucial, especially if it might be dark when you start back to your car; if you can’t park close to a well-traveled entrance, then park under a streetlight or some other visible means of protection. Keep your windows up and doors locked at all times, especially the moment you return to the auto. Keep your purse on your inside arm to throw in the seat as you slide inside and immediately lock your doors.
As far as packages are concerned, take advantage of curbside pickup or ask the store to hold bags for you until daytime. Ask store security to escort you back to your car, whether carrying bags or not. At night or when by yourself, never get into your car if it’s parked next to an SUV on your driver’s side. News reports often relate kidnapping stories with this scenario. Again, ask for security to accompany you to the vehicle, walk with a crowd who’ll stand by to see you safely behind the wheel or go back inside the store and wait until you are in a safer circumstance. (The same applies when getting on an elevator; if you feel the tiniest bit uncomfortable with another rider, don’t enter the elevator in the first place or, if someone gets on at another floor, get off.
Holiday shopping should be an entertaining adventure, mixed with wonderful smells, sounds and smiles. Just remember the adage: “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.