The holiday season is a busy time, so it can be easy to become less vigilant than usual, especially when you’re full of holiday cheer. Unfortunately, not everyone is on the nice list. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of theft this holiday season.
Safe Shopping
When you travel from store to store finding all of the items on your list, make sure that you don’t leave your purchased gifts visible in your vehicle. Locking them in your truck and making sure that they are out of site is the best way to prevent vehicle break ins, especially if you are purchasing electronics or other high dollar items.
It’s also smart to shop during the day when possible. If you cannot shop during daylight hours, try to stay in well-lit areas and consider bringing a shopping buddy.
Keeping Your Home Safe
You may love the look of gifts piled high under the Christmas tree, but this can be very enticing to would-be burglars. Make sure that your gifts are not visible from outside of your home. When disposing of trash after the holiday, be wary of putting the boxes from high end items out in plain sight, as this makes it clear which items were received.
If you order gifts for delivery to your home, be sure that someone is available to take them inside as soon as possible. The last thing you want is for your son’s new video gaming system to be stolen off of the front porch in the middle of the day. If no one is able to be home during normal delivery times, consider having your items shipped directly to the store or to your office or another safe location.
Savvy Online Shopping
Online scams occur throughout the year, but they can be especially prevalent around the holidays. Be vigilant when purchasing items online and make sure that they are being purchased from a verified business. Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements to ensure that you are not being victimized after the holidays. If you see misspelled words or odd sentence structures, it’s a good indication that the email may not be legitimate. Read consumer comments and reviews prior to making online purchases to get an idea of what to expect from the product.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
