Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

1. If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

2. It is getting darker earlier and earlier in the day. Try to pick up gifts before you go to work and not after. Most malls and super stores like Target and Wal-Mart have holiday hours that extend to earlier in the morning.

3. If you must shop at night, use the valet service. I know, its one of those "luxury expenses" that many just can’t seem to bring themselves to pay for, but it’s usually under $10 including tip and that’s definitely worth your personal safety. Many shopping centers have complimentary valet during the holiday season. Also, it makes you feel fancy!

4. If you have to park your car at night in a lot, park in the best lit spot available.

5. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. Listen to you intuition. If you have a bad feeling, turn around and go back inside!

6. Ask a Security Guard for an escort. Most major retail stores hire extra help during the holiday season, so there should be plenty to help you.

7. Shop online.

8. Make a day of it. Go with a group of friends or your family and split up. Meet in the food court after a decided amount of time. Come as a group, leave as a group.

9. Leave your kids at home. Children distract us. Our focus immediately goes to them. Pickpockets and purse snatchers look for the distracted mother who put her shopping bags down to deal with her kid and her bags are gone when she turns back around.

10. DO NOT except unsolicited help from strangers. Male or female. This is a way that predators gain your trust. "Let me help you with that" he might say. Say NO! And go back inside. If they persist, state firmly and loudly "I did not ask for your help and I do not want it." This might feel rude or extreme, but all attackers seem nice when you first meet them. They are trying to gain your trust so that they can easily get you into a vulnerable situation. I don’t care if he's wearing a boy scout uniform. SAY NO!