Stay safe shopping this holiday season: Advice from local law enforcement

Published: Updated:
AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File photo.
AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File photo.

As the holiday shopping season heats up, Southwest Florida’s sheriffs are reminding the community to stay vigilant, whether shopping in-store or online.

The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office shared safety tips on social media to help protect shoppers during this busy time of year.

In-Store Shopping Safety

  • Stay Alert: Park in well-lit, visible areas and keep personal items like purses, wallets, phones and keys close to your body or in secure pockets. Women are advised to secure purses in shopping carts by looping the child safety belt through the purse straps and ensuring purses are closed.
  • Secure Your Vehicle: Keep purchases out of sight by storing them in the trunk or hidden compartments. Never leave items in plain view while shopping.
  • Plan for Children: If children are accompanying you, create a safety plan in case of separation. Teach kids to seek help from law enforcement officers or store personnel. Choose a designated meeting spot in the store.
  • Drive Carefully: Roads and parking lots may be busier than usual. Remain patient and attentive to ensure the safety of everyone.

Online Shopping Safety

  • Monitor Credit Card Use: Use a single credit card for online purchases and track your spending. Report any unfamiliar transactions to your credit card company immediately.
  • Beware of Fraudulent Websites: Double-check website URLs for legitimacy. If a deal seems too good to be true, research before buying.
  • Avoid Email Scams: Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails. Instead, visit the retailer’s official website to confirm offers.
  • Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Use secure internet connections when shopping online to reduce the risk of hacking.
  • Use Strong Passwords: Employ unique passwords for each shopping site to protect against hackers gaining access to multiple accounts.

Finally, the CCSO emphasizes the importance of locking your doors and bringing valuables inside when you return home.

“By following these tips, we can all enjoy a safer holiday season,” Sheriff Prummell said.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno also shared advice on Facebook for keeping safe this season and wants to remind everyone that they are there if you need them.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.