Holiday Shopping Safety Tips & Charity Scam Warning Signs

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is not only a time for expressing gratitude and enjoying family and friends, the holiday marks two of the busiest shopping opportunities in the US - Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  Follow these tips for a safe holiday and secure shopping experience. 

Shopping Safety in Stores and Malls

Stay Alert

• Plan for crowds and stay alert. Deals are now beginning well before Black Friday, with stores staying open later, so businesses and shoppers should plan for crowds.
• Park close to your destination, in a well-lit area, and lock packages in the trunk, out of sight.
• Never park in an isolated area. Avoid parking next to vans or large trucks that can block your vehicle from the sight of others.
• Be aware of your surroundings. If you witness any suspicious behavior, leave the area immediately.
• If you have car trouble, remain in your car and use a cell phone to call for assistance, or return to the mall and notify security.

Guard Against Theft

• Use ATMs in well-populated areas during the day, and do not leave receipts at the ATM.
• Never leave your purse or smartphone unattended in a shopping cart, on a countertop, or in your car. Take extra care with purses and wallets; carry your purse close to your body and your wallet in an inside or zippered pocket. Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket.
• Use credit cards whenever possible and don’t display large sums of cash.
• Don’t overburden yourself with too many bags or packages.

Protect Yourself

• Shop with others, when possible. If shopping with young children, establish a meeting point inside a store or mall, in case of separation.
• Teach young children how to seek help from store personnel or store security in case you are separated.
• Report any suspicious activity to store/mall security or law enforcement. If you see something, say something.
• Request a security escort to help with oversized purchases or to accompany you to your car if you feel vulnerable while shopping alone.
• When returning to your vehicle, keep your keys out and lock your doors as soon as you are inside.

Shopping Online

• Shop with known businesses; do your research about past performance and financial stability.
• Conduct transactions on a secure server only; look for the padlock device on the browser’s status bar. The URL should change from http to shttp or https when asked for payment information indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secure.
• Add the latest anti-virus and anti-spyware software to your computers and update firewalls regularly.
• Do not record your social security or driver’s license number online, as it is not needed for purchases.
• Have packages delivered to an address where they will not be left unattended.
• Check your receipt to ensure that the actual price paid is the same amount charged to your card.

Charity Scams and Warning Signs

It’s easy to get caught up in the feeling of generosity and wanting to helping the less fortunate in times of need.  As such, scam artists often look to take advantage of the kindness and compassion of others.  Before you donate any money, remember to use your head, as well as your heart, by following these tips to avoid charity scams.

• Always investigate the organization prior to making a donation.
• Be skeptical if a solicitor thanks you for a contribution you don’t remember giving. Check all of your records.
• Don’t forget to ask how your donation will be used. One of the most important things to consider when making a charitable contribution is how much of your money actually goes to the charitable cause.
• Ask for written information and the solicitor’s identification to validate the organization. Most charities are required to register and file annual reports showing how donations are used. You can ask how to find this information at your state or local consumer protection agency. A legitimate charity will give you information describing its mission, how donations are distributed and proof that your contribution is tax deductible.
• For security and tax record purposes, it’s important to pay by check when sending a contribution by mail. Also, be sure to write the charity’s official name on the check to ensure it can only be deposited by the intended recipient.
• Consider donating your time. Contributing your personal time to help others can mean much more than simply writing a check.

Charity Scam Warning Signs

• Look-alike charities. Watch out for charities with similar names to well-known organizations. Some scam artists try to trick people by using names that make them appear to be the same as or comparable to valid charities.
• Contribution collectors. Stay cautious of charities that offer to send a representative to collect donations.
• Email Scams. Be skeptical of emails seeking charitable contributions. Many unsolicited messages received through email are fraudulent.
• Promised prizes. Be cautious of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for your contribution.
• Adamant demands. Refuse any high-pressure requests for your contribution. Legitimate charities usually don’t require people to give at a moment’s notice.

FDIC's Security and Emergency Preparedness Section
November 2019