Holiday Shopping Safety

The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family and finding a one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone. It's a time of joy, cheer, and goodwill. It's a time when children drift off to sleep with visions of new toys, and parents conspire to hide presents where curious little eyes can't find them. And it's also a time when criminals dream up new ways to take advantage of frazzled and distracted holiday shoppers. Here are some holiday shopping safety tips to help you and your family enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.

Take this list and check it twice

Holiday shopping can be a lot of fun. However, it can also be stressful, and it's easy to get let your guard down when caught up in the hustle and bustle of big shopping days like Black Friday. But before you join the crowds of eager holiday shoppers, read this list of holiday shopping safety tips to make sure that your holiday shopping experience is safe and fun.

• Take only what you need when you go shopping. Don't carry large amounts of cash, and try to limit the number of credit cards you carry. If you carry a purse, keep it on your shoulder and close to your body. As an extra precaution, wear it under your coat or jacket so it's not an easy target for pickpockets in crowded stores. If you carry a wallet, put it in your front pocket when you go out for a holiday shopping trip.

• Dress down. Opt for casual, comfortable clothing when you do your holiday shopping. Flashy or expensive-looking clothing and jewelry can attract the wrong kind of attention from potential thieves. Put on some sweats or jeans and save the designer ensemble for the next holiday party.

• Shop during the day. It's tempting to go holiday shopping in the early morning hours to get the best deals or late at night to beat the crowds. But, there's safety in numbers - and department store parking lots are much safer in the daylight when there are lots of people around. Avoid shopping after dark, and try to bring a friend or family member with you when you can.

• Be aware of your surroundings. The key to holiday shopping safety is awareness. Criminals target people who look distracted, so make sure you know what's going on around you. Stay alert and don't be afraid to tell mall or department store security personnel if you feel like you are being followed.

• Purchase gift cards from reputable sources. Gift cards are always popular holiday purchases.From specialty shops and department stores to restaurants and movie theaters, there's a gift card out there that's perfect for someone on your list. But beware of a deal that seems too good to be true, especially when visiting online auction sites. A $200 gift card for $20 just doesn't make sense - chances are the card is fake or stolen.

• Use caution when shopping online. According to http://PCWorld.com, about 114 million people will avoid the crowded shopping malls and do at least some of their holiday shopping online. If you plan to purchase some of your holiday gifts online, make sure that you have updated anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on your computer. And never buy something from a site that you don't trust.