Follow These Safety Tips This Holiday Season!
As we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to get distracted and become potential victims of crime. Employing some simple preventive measures while shopping can help keep your season bright. Additionally, the FBI has also warned against cyber criminals who target online shoppers looking for bargains or hard to find gift items. Cyber criminals entice their victims in multiple ways:

  • Emails advertising hot-ticket or hard to find items
  • Untrusted websites and ads promoting unrealistic discounts and bargains
  • Social media posts, often appearing to have been shared by a known friend, offering vouchers, gift cards, freebies, and contests
  • Social media hosted ads for non-existent or counterfeit items
  • Online surveys designed to steal personal information

Here are these easy to remember tips to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft or an online scam:
Theft Safety Tips
  • Park your car in well-lit locations.
  • Always lock your car and take your keys.
  • Carry only the amount of cash or credit cards you intend to use.
  • Never leave your purse or wallet unattended.
  • Be cognizant of your surroundings at all times.
  • Have your keys ready before walking back to your car.
  • Secure and hide items or packages in your trunk.
  • Look for potential danger in the parking lot or in your driveway before entering/exiting your car.
Lock It or Lose It!
For a few years now, the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit has been implementing the "Lock It or Lose It" campaign. Simply stated, it is a call for all residents to lock their vehicles to prevent theft of both, personal items left in the vehicle or the car itself. According to our police, the most effective deterrent for theft is to ensure that your possessions are not easily seen and to lock your doors! Remember, lock it or lose it!
Online Scam Prevention
  • Verify websites prior to making a purchase. Only purchase items from official, encryption-using websites. Web addresses should begin with https:// and include a locked padlock icon
  • Be wary of online retailers who use a free email service instead of a company email address
  • Do not judge a company by their website; flashy websites can be set up and taken down quickly
  • Pay for items using a credit card dedicated for online purchases, check the card statement frequently
  • Be wary of sellers who only accept wire transfers, virtual currency, gift cards, or cash, as these are almost impossible to recover
  • never make purchases using public Wi-Fi
  • verify the legitimacy of a seller before you purchase; look at consumer reviews and check with the Better Business Bureau
  • Only purchase gift cards directly from a trusted merchant
  • Do not click on links or provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited email
  • Make sure anti-virus/malware software is up to date and block pop-up windows
  • Use safe passwords or pass phrases. Never use the same password on multiple accounts
  • If the deal sounds too good to be true, chances are it is a scam
Have a joyful and safe holiday season!
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