Black Friday & Cyber Monday
This weekend will see more on-line scams and frauds particularly on unregulated sites such as e-Bay.
Be careful, very careful if it is a source you have never used before.
Use a credit card to pay never a debit card as credit cards do offer some protection from fraudsters.
Cyber Monday 30th November will see a surge in scam emails and on-line attacks and fraud, be very sceptical of any unsolicited email offers
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
With Christmas approaching we must expect thieves to become more active so please be extra vigilant when out shopping:
Make sure your wallet or purse is totally secure.
Do not leave items of value in full view when your car is parked.
Always put shopping in the boot of the car, making sure at the same time that you do not leave your handbag etc on the front seat.
When returning your shopping trolley make sure your car is fully locked.
Ladies – do not drive with your handbag on the other front seat.
Be fully aware at cash points, if you feel you are being watched cancel the transaction and go elsewhere.
Thieves are not always young men so be aware of the people around you and do not get distracted, especially in Supermarkets and weekly markets.
Remember if you DO NOT NEED IT DO NOT TAKE IT WITH YOU, especially credit cards and extra cash.
PICKPOCKETS
Despite many previous warnings there have been several reports of purses or wallets stolen whist in a shopping centres, supermarket or visiting a street market.
Whenever you leave home;
Check your wallet/purse and only take with you bank or credit cards you will be using.
Ladies; if you keep your purse in a handbag ensure it is kept shut and always carry it to your front or trapped under your arm, never leave it on top of an open shopping trolley or in a supermarket trolley.
Gentlemen; keep your wallet in a front pocket, preferably buttoned or zipped shut.
When putting shopping in the car boot do not leave anything of value on the car seats, especially handbags.
Always be alert to the distraction thief for example;
The person that walks into you or lady that bumps into you with her pushchair.
The person leaning across you at a market stall or supermarket shelf.
The person standing too close to you at a market stall or in the supermarket check-out.