Holiday Shopping Safety Tips from NAVSAFECEN

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The holiday shopping season is in full swing, which provides would-be pickpockets and thieves an opportunity to prey upon unsuspecting Sailors and their families.

"So many people are walking around with blinders on this time of year, assuming everyone has good intentions," said John Williams, an expert in off-duty recreation at the Naval Safety Center. "The current economic situation is making the bad guys bolder."

Nonetheless, Williams said it is not difficult to keep the crooks at bay - it just requires situational awareness and some common sense practices. One of the most important things a holiday shopper can do is park in well-lighted, high-traffic areas. There are also other simple precautions to take.

"If you have a lot of packages, or feel nervous for any reason, ask a mall security guard to walk you to your vehicle," Williams said. "That's what they're there for."

Shoppers who do not visit a one-stop shop such as a mall may travel from store to store while they are out searching for gifts. Williams said there is a tendency for many to just toss their purchases in the back seat of the car before they head to the next stop. He said this is an open invitation for thieves to break in.

"We've seen a lot of break-ins, and it's because the thieves were plainly able to see expensive items such as electronics or clothing inside the car," he said. He recommends putting all packages in the trunk where they're out of sight.

Statistics show that in the wake of the economic downturn, more shoppers are using cash to purchase gifts than in years' past. Some crooks are taking advantage of this with phony ATM machines. Williams said stand-alone ATM machines can be rigged to steal cards and personal identification numbers. Criminals are then able to use the card and the pin to take money out of legitimate cash machines.

"Check the slot for signs of tampering and look for cameras where they shouldn't be," he said. "The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings and remember that if something doesn't look right, it probably isn't."

Many high-tech shoppers may think they're safe from thieves because they do most of their purchasing online, but with an increase in cyber crime, that's not always the case. However, a little vigilance can thwart most criminals.

"Make sure your computer has good virus protection software and only shop from notable websites that encrypt your information," he said.

Whether shopping at home or at the mall, the unfortunate fact is thieves are out there attempting to hijack the holiday spirit along with victim's money. However, Williams said the smart shopper can usually stay a few steps ahead of the bad guys.

For more news from Naval Safety Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsc/.