Black Friday… A time of sweet deals and complete chaos. Please read the safety tips below to ensure a safe and happy shopping experience.

• Use the buddy Systems.
  • It is always a good idea to shop in pairs, as thieves are less likely to target two or more people.
• Lock your gifts in the trunk.
  • An electronics store bag filled with goodies sitting on the back seat in plain view is tempting for a smash-and-grab burglar.
• If on a big shopping trip at an outdoor mall or outlet stores, consider moving your car when you drop off presents.
  • Most people return to their cars several times to drop off purchases and resume shopping. When you go back to drop it off consider moving your car a few lanes away.
  • Thieves like to stake out parking lots for people leaving purchases in their car.
  • If they see you drive away they will assume you’re leaving and will look for another target.
• Don’t flash your cash.
  • Remember others are watching.
  • Do not whip out a wad of cash to pay for a $15 DVD.
  • Keep some cash in your pocket and the rest in your wallet.
  • This way you do not flash all your money at the register.
• Ask for a security guard escort.
  • If you approach your car and see an unsavory character staked out nearby, return to the store and ask for someone to walk you to your car.
  • Most store security personnel are used to this, so there is no need to feel embarrassed. Better safe then sorry!
• Keep credit and debit cards close.
  • Always check and make sure your card was not swapped out after a transaction. The name on the card might not be yours.
  • Check your receipt to make sure that “cash back” hasn’t been assigned.
  • One of the most popular forms of counterfeit credit card fraud is to swipe a credit card in a “dummy” reader to capture the magnetic strip of information.
  • Counterfeit card is produced and before you know it someone in Thailand is using your card.
  • This is much easier to pull off at restaurants.
    • The server/clerk who “goes to the bank” to run the charge. Consider using cash.
    • If using a card, alert your credit card company to any suspicious behavior by merchants.
• Have keys ready, and don’t take your time getting in the car.
  • Find the keys before you leave the store and have them in hand.
  • Walk quickly and confidently to your vehicle, unlock, enter, and lock the doors quickly.
  • Once safe inside your car you can then look at your receipts, store your purse, etc.
• Park in well-lit areas.
  • If you are devoting a day to shopping and anticipate to come out in a dark parking lot, look for streetlights to park under.
    • Besides providing light, they also serve as reference point in a crowded parking lot to remind you where you parked.
• Do not leave your purse/wallet unattended
  • Do not leave your purse/wallet in front of the cart while your head is in the car.
  • If you leave your purse/wallet in the cart while grocery shopping do not walk away from your cart.
  • Before unloading your purchases, place your purse inside the car and shut the door (make sure you have the keys in hand).
  • Find a why to not carry a purse while shopping.
    • A small satchel or carry your wallet in your pocket.

Enjoy yourself and be safe.

Peniel Environmental