Holiday shopping safety tips

As the holiday season approaches, keep these safety tips in mind, whether you are shopping in-person or online.

In-person shopping tips

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• If shopping with children, teach them to stay close to you at all times.
• Dress casually and comfortably and avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Always carry your driver's license or identification card. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. During this time of year, "con artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Guard your wallet and ID

Don't leave your purse or wallet unattended on shopping carts.

Here's what to do if your wallet or purse is stolen

Report stolen items that can be identified to local law enforcement, such as:

• State driver's license or identification card.
• Social Security cards.
• Credit cards and debit cards.

It is also a good idea to sign up for a credit monitoring and identify theft protection service before shopping season begins.

Online shopping tips

• Don't fall for email scams. If you receive emails or texts offering amazing bargains or claiming there's a problem with packaging deliveries, delete suspicious messages from unfamiliar senders. Don't open links or attachments.
• Turn down deals that are too good to be true.
• Shop on familiar websites, avoid websites you have not shopped on before, or do your research on the site before using it for purchase.
• Avoid using your debit card online. Use a credit card if possible.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi.
• Create strong passwords for accounts that you may need to create.
• Monitor your statements after you have made your purchase. Make it a habit to monitor your statements at least every week.
• Guard your personal information. No shopping website should ever ask for your Social Security number!
• Mind the details. After you make the purchase, keep the details like receipts and confirmation numbers in a safe place.
• Track your items and be sure they're headed your way.
• Report scammers to Lakewood Sheriff's station non-emergency phone number 562-623-3500.

Tips to deter 'porch pirates'

A 'Porch Pirate' is a thief who strikes neighborhoods in hopes of stealing valuable packages to resell.

Try these tips to keep your packages safe:

• Track your parcels.
• Install a security system.
• Ask a neighbor to retrieve packages from your porch when you are away.
• Get your packages delivered to your work, a neighbor, a locker or a P.O Box.
• Consider purchasing a porch lockbox.
• Require a signature upon delivery.

Before you go shopping, teach children to:

• Stay close to you at all times.
• If a stranger is bothering them, they should immediately inform you.
• Go to a store clerk and ask for help if they get separated from you.
• Be sure they know their full name, address and telephone number (and your name!).