**** HRP Media Release

Holiday shopping safety tips

Whether you’re going to stores or shopping online, Halifax Regional Police have some tips to help keep you safer while making holiday purchases.

Online shopping

Shop from your personal device at home on a trusted network.
Consider using different user ID and passwords for different accounts and updating your passwords frequently.
Verify safe network connections and make sure you are on a secure website. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and check for the valid certificate by clicking on the padlock icon.
Unlike secure order forms on a websites, email and text messages are not private, so, never send confidential personal or financial information by email or text.
Be cautious, if an online deal looks too good to be true then it probably is.
Watch out for email scams. Be wary of clicking on links in an email message, even if the deal seems great.
After making purchases it can be helpful to keep the receipt, confirmation number and postal tracking numbers in a safe accessible place.
If you are at an online store that you are unfamiliar with, read and understand the online shop’s policies. It’s always a good idea to check a site’s reviews before making a purchase.

In-store shopping

Lock your vehicle and park in well-lit and busy areas if they are available.
Would be thieves will look for shoppers storing valuables in their vehicles. If you’re going to drop off your purchases and return to the stores, lock your packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another location in the parking lot.
Thieves sometimes watch shoppers exiting a store. Shop strategically; wait until the end of your shopping trip to make high-end purchases or make a special trip to take high-end items home and then return to continue shopping.
Protect your PIN when using bank and debit machines. Cover the keypad to prevent someone from observing your key strokes or from recording your PIN. It’s a good idea to change your PIN frequently.
After a day of shopping, don’t leave parcels or valuables in your vehicle upon returning home. Police recommend removing all valuables to keep your vehicle free from clutter; even an empty shopping bag can create the appearance that there’s something in your car worth stealing. Remember to always lock your vehicle, even in your own driveway.

No matter whether your shop in-person or online, it is especially important to monitor your bank and credit card statements closely. Immediately report any discrepancies to your bank or to the company that issued the credit card.

Online Marketplace Shopping Tips

Halifax Regional Police is sharing some tips to protect against online marketplace scams.

The Integrated Financial Crime Unit is continuing to receive reports of online marketplace scams. Police remind online shoppers that exercising a little caution can pay off in the long run:

Browse the site for information on its policies, tips for safe transactions and reporting suspicious/fraudulent activity.
Be cautious of anyone who asks for payment in advance of being able to verify that the item exists and that the seller is the legitimate owner.
Do not give out personal or banking information over the phone, text message, email or the internet.
When buying or selling, meet in person to see the product and exchange funds.

Meet in well-lit and populated public places, like a coffee shop or grocery store parking lot during business hours.
Agree to meet in a place that you are comfortable with; don’t be forced to accept a last-minute change in location.
Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you will be back or take them along with you.
If you own a cell phone, take it with you.

Call police at 902-490-5016 if you’ve lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or through the RCMP’s online reporting system or call 1.888.495.8501.

More information and scam prevention tips are available at:

Police provide tips to help safely enjoy the upcoming holiday events

Halifax Regional Police is providing some tips to help citizens safely enjoy the upcoming holiday events in our region.

There are a number of events being held over the next three weeks to kick off the holiday season including:

SaltWire Holiday Parade of Lights, November 19, 6 p.m. Road closures and parking restrictions are expected to begin at 3 p.m. and will continue until 8 p.m. in some locations.
Light Up Bedford Parade, November 20, 5:45 p.m.
Halifax Christmas Tree Lighting, November 26, 6-7 p.m.
Spryfield Santa Claus Parade, November 27, 2 p.m.
TD Dartmouth Christmas Tree Lighting, December 3, 5-6:30 p.m.

Some of the events involve street closures. HRP will have officers performing traffic control at a number of locations to help keep everyone safe. Please plan ahead and expect delays.

Here are some tips to help everyone safely enjoy the holiday events:

Plan ahead. Check the event’s website to ensure you’re familiar with the venue, its location and the amenities it has to offer.
If possible, take public transportation. These events draw large crowds, causing heavy traffic and making parking difficult.
If you drink, don’t drive. Plan ahead to have a designated driver or take public transportation.
For parades, ensure you stay back from the parade vehicles. Stay on one side of the street and don’t run across between floats.

It’s easy for little ones to become lost in the midst of a large crowd. Here are a few tips to consider to help keep children safe:

When you arrive at an event, agree on a meeting place in case you get separated.
Accompany young children to public washrooms and concession stands.
Consider carrying an up-to-date picture and make note of what the child is wearing.

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities.