Turkey Day is done, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Have you made your holiday shopping list and checked it twice? Now that it is time to go shopping for the special people on your list, it is also the ideal time to brush up on your shopping safety habits. Older adults are more likely to attract thieves and can be more vulnerable to crime including theft or financial scams during the holidays. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe as you shop this season both online and in person.

Staying Safe While Shopping in Person

For some older adults, the preferred method for purchasing gifts is to go shopping in person at brick-and-mortar stores. If you are planning to shop at your favorite local stores, keep these safety considerations in mind:

• Prevent falls by wearing comfortable shoes that you can easily walk in. Shopping days aren’t the time for your new heels, even if they’re low ones. Avoid the setbacks a fall can bring by wearing the right shoes and watching closely where you walk. Allow others to help with those heavy doors into your favorite store and stay off the phone as you walk.
• Avoid driving when the weather conditions are poor.
• Park as close to the entrance of the store as possible.
• Before leaving your vehicle, double check that you have your wallet, list, and keys. Always be sure to lock your car doors before entering the store.
• If you take public transportation or a senior services bus to your destination, make sure you know the schedule and where to catch your ride home.
• Do not let your wallet be an easy target for theft. Keep it close to your body. That way it is more difficult for thieves to take.  Bags with zipper closures and over-the-shoulder straps are best because a passerby can’t reach into them or quickly take it off your arm/shoulder. If you are not carrying a bag, put your wallet in one of your front pockets. Back pockets are easy targets for pickpockets.
• Never pull out a large amount of cash while paying for your purchases; instead, keep your envelope or wallet of cash in your purse and pull-out bills individually or use a card or check method for payment.If you are alone, ask a security guard or staff member to walk you out to your car if you feel unsafe, if it is dark, or if you cannot safely carry all your purchases.
• While shopping, keep the vehicle locked. All purchases, including bags of all sizes, should be tucked away in the trunk of the car or covered by a blanket. A curious would-be thief will be less interested in breaking into a car if he cannot see what’s inside.
• Carrying an excess number of packages may lead to a balance issue for seniors, so keep the bag count low when walking around or make multiple trips to the car.
• Shopping with a group promises to lend fun to the event and will make you less likely to become the target of a crime.
• Carry one credit or debit card with you on your shopping trip. Carrying a single card means only one card needs to be canceled in the event of a theft and minimizes the opportunity for fraud if your wallet or bag is stolen.
• To avoid large crowds, try shopping during senior-friendly hours. Many stores open early or stay open late to cater to those who prefer a quieter shopping experience.
• Check in with family members via phone call or text throughout your time shopping.
• Have a designated loved one to call in case of emergency.
• If you have a fall detection device, such as a neck pendant or watch, ensure it is charged, and you are wearing it correctly.
• Pack any medications you might need to take while shopping.
• Stop often to drink water or rest as needed.
• Trust your instincts; if you feel unsafe at all, find an employee and ask for help.

Staying Safe While Shopping Online

Thanks to technology and the internet, shopping online is a viable option for people of all ages. Older adults, no matter if they are beginners or experts, when it comes to the online marketplace, can benefit from refreshing their safety practices. Here are a few to consider before clicking the “buy now” button:

• Only use strong and unique passwords when setting up accounts at different online sites.
• Avoid clicking on links that come from unreliable emails or social media accounts. Stick to familiar online stores that are major retailers with good customer service.
• Visit store sites directly when possible, and not through a third-party link or website.
• Never keep your credit card information out in the open.
• Secure websites begin with “https:” and not “http:”; try to only ever pay on sites that have that “s” in the address.
• Before ordering, double check the site’s return policy; having a difficult return process is an indicator that you should find the gift elsewhere.
• Look to support online businesses that ship as locally as possible; waiting for a product that is shipping from overseas is frustrating, especially during the busy holiday season.
• No vendor should ever ask for personal identifying information such as your social security number or Medicare number.
• When donating online, verify the site you are making the donation through supports the organization you want to donate to.
• Never give out your ATM pin number or account information.
• Invite a family member to help you with your online shopping if needed.
• When it comes to shopping during the holidays for gifts, it’s best to trust your gut. Scammers take advantage of our holiday financial stress. While some sites may offer highly sought-after items at too-good-to-be-true prices, sometimes it’s best to step back, trust your instincts and walk away. Usually, these deals are too good to be true. If you decide to move forward with your purchase, check the site’s terms of sale and pay with a credit card. Debit card fraud protections are not as strict as those for credit cards. Credit card companies can work with customers if they suspect the card has been compromised.
• During the holiday season, scammers keep track of habits and take advantage of people’s generosity since they know people are more likely to be generous. If you think you or someone you know might have been scammed or contacted by a scammer, report it to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or filing a complaint online at the NC Department of Justice Website.

So many activities, like Christmas shopping, are more fun when done with friends and neighbors. Many older adults are looking closely at senior living and the activities they can enjoy with their new friends and neighbors. Consider taking a tour of one of The Ohio Masonic Communities campuses. With three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio – each offers premier living options with exceptional experiences so older adults can live their best lives. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1-877-881-1623 or schedule a visit.