Millions of Americans are getting ready to take advantage of the huge holiday sales as Black Friday gets closer.
But the annual shopping event has risks, as con artists and thieves look for people who aren’t paying attention.
Law enforcement agencies across the country, including in California and North Carolina, are working harder than ever to keep people safe and stop scams this busy shopping weekend.
Rising Threat of Holiday Scams
People in Central California are getting ready for Black Friday deals, but police are telling buyers to be careful. Sergeant Chris Hutchison of the Clovis Police Department says that scams and property crimes start to happen more often around the holidays.
Criminals take advantage of people’s holiday spirit in many ways, such as through online fraud, gift card scams, and physical theft.
SOAX recently did a study that shows California is one of the 10 states most likely to be scammed on Black Friday. Most of the time, residents lose more than $700 in scams.
Rachel Bautista from Central California learned this the hard way last year when she got a $100 gift card and found that fraudsters had already spent all of its money. “The gift card was already used when I tried to use it on Christmas Eve.” Bautista said, “That was the first time I had used it.”
This kind of fraud is called “gift card draining,” and it happens when thieves change the PIN on real gift cards by scratching it off and putting a fake sticker in its place.
Bautista was able to get her money back thanks to the store, which was able to track down the original transaction. Her story shows how important it is to always ask for a gift receipt when you buy gift cards.
Preventing In-Store Crimes
Aside from scams, people who shop in stores also have to worry about things like theft and broken windows.
Sergeant Hutchison tells buyers to be careful by parking close to stores, picking well-lit areas, and putting valuables in their trunks. Hutchison said, “That’s the best advice we can give you.”
In North Carolina, police say the same thing: they want people to shop with a friend or family member to avoid problems. Shopping bags and other goods should be kept out of sight in cars by hiding them in the trunk or under the seats, according to the authorities.
Hope Mills Police Lieutenant Derek Rolland said, “Put things under the seat if you’re going to leave your purse or something else in the car.”
Leverage Technology for Safety
In North Carolina, officials are using cutting-edge technology to make shopping safer. Police offices are using “lot cops,” which are surveillance cameras put up in the parking lots of shopping centers, to stop crimes and look into them.
“These cameras record around the clock,” Lt. Rolland said. “The views are clear from every angle and cover the whole room.” Most of the time, we can read ID plates.
People who are buying should park near these surveillance stands or in well-lit areas, especially at night.
Managing Parking Lot Hazards
In addition to theft, crashes in the parking lot happen a lot during the holiday shopping season. As shoppers rush to find parking spots, impatient drivers often cause small accidents.
“You have people getting into wrecks in parking lots being impatient,” Rolland told me. “Please stay calm.” You’ll find a place to park.
To keep crashes from happening, the government tells drivers to slow down, stay alert, and be patient.
Practical Tips for Shoppers
To ensure a safe and enjoyable Black Friday shopping experience, both California and North Carolina law enforcement offer the following tips:
- Shop in pairs: Having a companion can deter criminals and provide additional safety.
- Park strategically: Opt for well-lit areas close to store entrances or near surveillance equipment.
- Hide valuables: Keep shopping bags and other valuable items out of sight to reduce the temptation for thieves.
- Stay alert online: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unfamiliar websites.
- Verify gift cards: Check the integrity of physical gift cards before purchasing and request a gift receipt.
- Remain patient: Avoid rushing in parking lots to prevent accidents and conflicts.
A Community-Wide Effort
As the holidays approach, people in the area play a big part in helping the police do their jobs.
Shoppers are asked to quickly report any suspicious activities or people to the police. Sergeant Hutchison told the people, “Do your best to park close to the store in areas that get a lot of traffic.”
Retailers are also stepping up their security by doing things like hiring more staff and putting in video systems.
All of these efforts work together to make sure that Black Friday stays a happy time for everyone.
Conclusion
Black Friday is a time for great deals and getting into the holiday spirit, but it’s also a time to be extra careful.
Scammers and crooks see the shopping frenzy as a chance to make money, but these threats can be lessened if shoppers and police work together and are alert.
As long as shoppers stay alert and follow simple safety rules, they can focus on what really matters during the holidays: making memories with loved ones and sharing joy.
Safety should be your first concern this Black Friday, no matter where you are in the world.