**** HRP Media Release
Holiday shopping safety tips
Holiday shopping season is in full swing. Whether you’re going to stores or shopping online, Halifax Regional Police has a few simple tips for you to consider to keep the bah-humbug away from your holiday purchases.
Online shopping
- It is best to 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 secure 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. Don’t 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, consider locking your packages in the trunk and move your vehicle to another location in the parking lot.
- Thieves sometimes watch shoppers exiting a store. You may want to shop strategically and 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 keystrokes or from recording your PIN. It’s a good idea to change your PIN frequently.
- After a day of shopping, we recommend removing parcels and valuables and locking the vehicle upon returning home. Even an empty shopping bag can create the appearance that there’s something in your car worth stealing.
No matter whether you shop in-person or online, we encourage you to monitor your bank and credit card statements closely and immediately report any discrepancies to your bank or to the company that issued the credit card.
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**** RCMP Media Release
The Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding the public of tips to help ensure a safe and celebratory season
The next several weeks will be especially busy given the many upcoming holiday remembrances and celebrations. As you plan for your holidays, please keep these safety tips in mind:
Protect yourself from frauds and scams:
Protect your PIN when using bank and debit machines; cover the keypad to prevent someone from observing your key strokes
Monitor your bank and credit card statements daily for any unauthorized transactions
Be cautious of unsolicited emails or calls, especially those requesting personal information
Use secure, password-protected wi-fi networks when making online purchases
Don’t use the same password for multiple websites
Change your passwords regularly
If an online deal looks too good to be true, it probably is
Safeguard your online purchases:
Schedule deliveries for times when you’re at home or use secure delivery lockers or a nearby pick-up location
Consider redirecting packages to your workplace or a trusted neighbour’s address
Request a signature for delivery
Install security cameras to monitor your doorstep remotely and capture images of any thieves
Keep your vehicle from becoming a target:
Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in plain sight
Park in well-lit areas and busy parking lots
Lock your vehicle, even if you’re stepping away for a short time; someone may be watching you load up valuables
Stay safe on the road:
Check weather reports before you hit the road and adjust your driving to any deteriorating weather and road conditions: Slow down, keep your distance, and stay focused.
Drive sober: Choose a designated driver, split a cab/uber or take public transit, or stay put
Call 911 if you believe someone is driving impaired or otherwise an immediate threat to public safety.
Contact your local RCMP detachment or local police to report crime or any suspicious activity. You can also now report certain crimes online, including damage to property or vehicle (under $5,000), theft (under $5,000) and lost property: Report a crime online | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)
