Whether you are planning on getting your adrenaline pumping while racing for those stunning doorbuster deals, or if nabbing those e-deals from the comfort of a home computer is more your style, you will be facing numerous, unsuspected dangers. Here at OIG Insurance, we want to make sure our customers don’t fall victim this holiday season. We made a list and now it’s your turn to check it twice on this Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the entire year. Here are some precautions you should take before venturing out to protect you and your family.
First, your physical safety is most important! We’ve seen the local news stories of shoppers leaving Walart adorned with black eyes and 65” televisions. Let’s skip the bruises this year, deal?
- Avoid arguing or physical altercations at all costs.
- Keep your purse zipped shut and attached to shopping cart by clipping the child safety belt through straps. Keep wallet in front pants/coat pocket.
- Don’t lift more than you can handle. Ask for help moving heavy or awkward items.
- Use only one credit card to make purchases this year. This allows you to monitor spending and avoid fraud easier. If, knock on wood, any breaches occur this prevents multiple cards from being compromised.
- Teach your children to meet at a safe, central spot in case you become separated. Also, remind your children to only approach a security guard or employee if lost.
Second, your virtual security is next up to bat. Beware that while you are striving to take advantage of the deals, there are plenty of cyber thieves out there trying to take advantage of you.
- If the option exists, use a credit card to complete online purchases over debit. This way if any fraudulent charges appear, you’re not waiting for the money to be returned to your bank account. Also, consider using a mobile wallet (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.) for added security.
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi networks. These are unsecured and can be an outlet to have your activity watched and information stolen.
- Double check URLs when clicking links to retailers through emails. If not careful, you could be rerouted to a phishing site designed to mimic the real one and steal your personal information.
Lastly, let’s not forget our automotive safety during this Yuletide season.
- Double check around and under your car before approaching.
- Take extra caution when parking- park in well lit areas.
- Store shopping bags and goodies in the trunk and out of plain sight.
- When searching for a parking spot, remember there will always be another. Do not speed through the lanes or race to get an empty spot. You never know who could be racing around the other corner.
- When leaving your parking space, triple check for pedestrians or other cars when backing out.
While you will be one of the millions of shoppers hitting the check out lines hard this year, you are more than a number to us. Accidents happen and we are here to help you if one occurs. Give us a call today and make sure you are covered this holiday season!
