With Thanksgiving right around the corner, Black Friday right after, and stores already putting up their Christmas decorations, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to shop safely this year and offered the following advice.
Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol said traditional holiday shopping presents a prime opportunity for people looking to be a real-life Grinch.
“We want to remind people that when they’re out shopping and they’re going from one store to another, folks will leave what they purchase in their car,” Maciol said. “If they’re not in the trunk, they’re in view of people who may be looking through windows. Same for purses and pocketbooks — make sure everything is securely placed and can’t be seen.”
For vehicles without trunks, Maciol urged people to leave things on the floor of the back seat.
Additionally, when shopping in stores, Maciol recommends not to put purses or bags in the cart’s basket.
“When you’re right there pushing the cart, but the minute you step away to look at something on a shelf, in that split-second possessions can easily be taken,” Maciol explained. “So make sure you’re carrying your purse, pocketbook, or wallet on your person.”
Online safety
For online shopping, Maciol gave a series of tips to make sure Oneida County residents don’t fall prey to scams and grifters.
Of the scams that people should be wary of that are starting to become more common are “brushing scams.” And they all begin when someone receives a package that they didn’t open.
“When you get an unsolicited package, don’t scan any QR codes — verify the vendor,” Maciol said. “It doesn’t happen often here, but it’s something we’ve heard of.”
More than anything, Maciol encouraged people to be skeptical and to check twice if something feels too good to be true.
“If it sounds too good to be true, chances are it is and it’s a scam,” Maciol said.
Finally, Maciol said in no uncertain terms that anyone calling you that says they’re from law enforcement, demanding money for bail are scams.
“We deal with scams all year round, but unfortunately this time of year? When the holidays are just beginning? People are more vulnerable and people are hurting for money,” Maciol said.
For more information about the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, visit https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/.
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Oneida County Sheriff offers shopping safety tips
Reporting by Casey Pritchard, Utica Observer Dispatch / Observer-Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
