Black Friday Can Make You See Red

Black Friday Can Make You See Red
Important Tips to Make Shopping Go Smoothly
 

Arlington, VA – McGruff and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) say you may be out early to find that big bargain on Black Friday but so will the criminals who are out to ruin your holiday shopping season.  NCPC has 10 great tips to help you shop safely while getting those great Black Friday bargains throughout the shopping season.

10.  Do not buy more than you can carry.  Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.

9.  Shop online with companies you know and trust.  Check a company’s background if you are not familiar with it.  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

8.  Save all receipts.  Print and save all confirmations for your online purchases.   Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.

7.  Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.

6.  Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook.  An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to take a picture of your account information.

5.  Deter pickpockets.  Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.

4.  Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.

3.  Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.

2.  Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package.  The same applies if you are using mass transit.

1.  If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated.  Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask for mall personnel or store security if they need help.

To find more useful shopping tips and personal safety information, visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s website.

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About the National Crime Prevention Council

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is a private, nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to be the nation’s leader in helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. NCPC manages public service advertising under the National Citizens’ Crime Prevention Campaign—symbolized by McGruff the Crime Dog® and his “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®” slogan—and acts as secretariat for the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, more than 400 national, federal, state, and local organizations representing thousands of constituents who are committed to preventing crime. NCPC is funded through a variety of government agencies, corporate and private foundations, and donations from private individuals.  For more information on crime prevention issues, visit www.ncpc.org.