Holiday shopping is in full swing this weekend and will continue through the rest of the month.
Police in Texarkana want to remind residents that, unfortunately, the Grinch can be real, and there are always thieves trying to take advantage of shoppers.
Police recommend that shoppers pay attention to the following tips while out and about this season:
- Stay alert to surroundings and the people around you.
- Shop with a friend.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- If possible, carry only your driver's license and personal checks or necessary credit or debit cards.
- If you must carry a purse, do not wrap the straps around your arms or shoulders.
- Do not carry a wallet in a back pocket.
- If possible, conceal your purchases in a plain, nondescript shopping bag and place them in the trunk of your vehicle where they cannot be seen.
- Keep an eye on purchases while taking a break inside a shopping mall. Bags can easily be switched or taken.
- Have your car keys ready in hand before leaving the store.
- Shoppers can also protect themselves in parking lots by shopping early and leaving the store early to avoid darkness, parking in a high visibility area that is well-lit and leaving the store with other people.
- Shoppers should also ask security to escort them to their vehicle if they feel uncomfortable and watch for people who may be following them.
- Once gifts are taken home, they should not be displayed where they can be seen through a window, and boxes should not be visible in the garbage cans. Boxes should be destroyed and placed in a sealed garbage bag. Doors and windows should also be kept locked and window curtains closed.
- Shoppers who prefer purchasing gifts online should also use caution. Identity fraud and credit card fraud have become common scams, and the holidays are an easy time to fall victims to these crimes.
Police advise that shoppers using credit cards use the following tips:
- Do not give out credit card numbers online unless the site is secure and reputable.
- Try to obtain a physical address rather than just a post office box and a phone number. Call the seller to see if the number is correct and working.
- Keep a list of all credit cards and account information. If anything looks suspicious or the credit card is lost, the company should be contacted immediately.