Tag: black friday

As Black Friday deals kick off, the day after Thanksgiving continues to be a prime time for snagging fantastic gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, taking precautions is essential to safeguard yourself and your belongings. Here are some valuable tips to help you stay secure:

In the Store

• Safety is best in numbers. Shop with friends for added security and enjoyment!
• Use only ONE credit card for your purchases. This makes it easier to cancel if the card is lost or stolen, rather than dealing with multiple cards.
• Store your keys, cash, and credit card in separate locations if possible. Avoid using a purse; if you carry one, never leave it unattended, and always wear it.
• When shopping with children, establish a designated meeting spot in case you get separated.
• If you notice a deal you’ve been eyeing is running low in stock, be cautious of overly enthusiastic bargain hunters. No deal is worth physical conflict, and you can likely find it online at the same price.

In the Car

• Conceal all shopping bags in the trunk or another hidden area to deter vehicle break-ins. Thieves are more likely to target cars with visible valuables.
• Always keep your doors locked when leaving your vehicle.
• Be mindful in busy parking lots with both cars and pedestrians. Drive slowly and stay alert to avoid accidents.
• Park under well-lit areas at night and steer clear of large vehicles that may obstruct your view.
• Once you arrive home, remember to bring your packages inside; never leave them in your car.

Online

• Avoid shopping using public Wi-Fi networks.
• Stick to reputable retailers when making purchases.
• Carefully check website URLs for phishing attempts; scammers often create sites that mimic secure ones to steal your information.
• Be wary of Black Friday deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams.
• Credit cards usually provide better consumer protections and don’t tie up your funds in case of issues.

Remember these tips while you’re on the hunt for the best Black Friday bargains. Stay safe and enjoy the deals you’ve been anticipating all year long! Happy shopping!

Farmers Alliance customers enjoy complimentary identity theft monitoring services. Click here for more information. If you believe your financial information has been compromised or if you’ve encountered identity theft, please call 1.800.362.1075 ext. 1128 to speak with a knowledgeable fraud specialist at Cyberscout for personalized support.