Bargain hunters head out in droves, but so do the bad guys. Here’s how to keep safe

The holiday shopping season has arrived — and while law-abiding bargain hunters look for a steal in prices, bad guys have a different kind of stealing in mind.

Area law enforcement agencies will step up patrols during the holiday season and are offering a few tips that may help keep your experience both fun and safe.

• Avoid shopping alone, particularly at night.
• Park in well-lit areas, lock vehicle doors and keep windows shut.
• Carry purses close to the body and don’t reveal large amounts of cash.
• If using a shopping cart, never leave purses unsecured, and keep them closed.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to find a store clerk or security guard if separated.
• Do not carry too many packages at one time.
• Approach your vehicle with keys already in hand and look for people around or under your vehicle.
• Do not leave your purse in the cart or place it on top of the vehicle when loading purchases.
• Place all packages out of sight, preferably in the trunk or covered compartment.
• Never leave your vehicle running while you go into your home or into a store.
• Be wary of anyone approaching you. Some people may offer leaflets or ask for donations, however both scenarios can be a ploy to get your money or gifts.
• When driving home, be aware of vehicles that seem to be following you.

“If you see anything suspicious or if a situation doesn’t feel right, leave the area immediately and contact store security or law enforcement,” Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight said in a statement.

And remember these important tips, as well.

• Don’t argue or fight over an item.
• If buying on credit, carry only one card with you.
• Save your receipts and monitor your credit card activity.

Shopping online?

• Stick to retailers you know and have shopped with before.
• Research the business if you have not shopped with them before by checking customer reviews or complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
• Refrain from using public Wi-Fi areas where hackers may be in wait to intercept your information.
• Check a webpage’s security by looking for the lock icon in the URL field. The URL for the site also should be “https” and not “http.” The “s” means the site is safer and more secure.

This story was originally published November 28, 2019 at 7:51 AM.