LEXINGTON, S.C. (WIS) – As many are gearing up to catch deals on several retail stores, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) is asking the public to be aware of scams.

“This time of year always brings concerns for safety and security,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “The holiday season could make you a prime target for crooks looking to steal your money, your merchandise or even your identity. It’s important to stay alert to protect yourself, your valuables and your personal information.”

Black Friday is the biggest day of the year when it comes to retail. Many take advantage of deals being offered by different stores to shop for themselves, family and friends.

Sheriff Koon wants shoppers to keep in mind these tips while they take advantage of this day:

A single shopper is the best target for theft. Always shop with a friend or relative.

• Tell someone where you’re shopping and what time to expect you to return. They should also know what you’re wearing and driving.
• Keep cash in your front pocket rather than in a purse or wallet. This makes it much more difficult for a pick-pocket to remove. Carry car keys in a pants or jacket pocket. If your purse is stolen, you’ll still be able to drive home.
• If you feel uneasy returning to your vehicle alone, find a security guard and ask them to walk you to your car.

“It’s easy to get caught up in all the comings and goings of the holidays that seem to start as soon as we put away the Thanksgiving leftovers,” Koon said. “Busy holiday shoppers can become careless and vulnerable to financial fraud crimes.”

Koon also shared the following tips to protect your financial account information:

· Keep a close watch on your credit and debit cards every time you use them. Get them back as quickly as possible.

· Never write your PIN on your card.

· Never leave your cards or receipts lying around.

· Shield your cards so others around you can’t copy the number or snap a picture of it.

· Only carry the cards that you absolutely need.

· Shred anything with your card number on it.

Gift cards are one of the most popular gifts during the holidays, but that too, can pose some risks. Here are additional tips to protect yourself when buying gift cards:

· Buy from sources you know and trust. Avoid buying gift cards from online auction sites, because the cards might be counterfeit or might have been obtained fraudulently.

· Read the fine print before you buy. Is there a fee to buy the card? If you buy a card by phone or online, are there shipping and handling fees? If you don’t like the terms and conditions, buy elsewhere.

· See if any fees will be deducted from the card after you purchase it.

· Inspect the card before you buy it. Make sure none of the protective stickers have been removed. See if the codes on the back of the card have been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards.

· Give the recipient your original receipt so they can verify the card’s purchase in case it is lost or stolen.

Anyone aware of suspicious activity in stores is asked to call 911. You may also report fraudulent financial activity to LCSD at 803-785-8230.

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