WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) – With the holiday season here, shopping for gifts in-store and online will ramp up. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is offering some tips to keep your holiday shopping spree safe.

“By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your loved ones while keeping the season cheerful and safe,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers.

If shopping in person:

• Keep your purse or wallet close to your body and avoid placing your phone in your back pocket.
• If an item is unavailable, never argue or fight over it.
• Always know your surroundings and find exits when entering a store.
• Let someone know where you are shopping and when you should be returning home.
• Avoid leaving shopping bags visible in your car.
• Only present your credit or debit card when asked by the cashier, and shield your PIN from view.

If shopping online:

• Use trusted websites with “HTTPS” or a padlock icon in the URL.
• Keep track of online purchases and check your bank statements for unusual activity.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi when entering personal information.
• Research unfamiliar sellers to confirm their legitimacy before making purchases.

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