Holiday Shopping Safety Tips From The Hollywood Police Department

Shopping In Stores:

• Plan ahead and avoid carrying more than you can manage. Bring a friend or ask a store employee for help with large purchases.

• Consider safer ways to pay, like one-time or multi-use disposable credit cards.

• Keep your payment methods out of sight until you are ready to use them. Thieves often “shoulder surf” to steal account information.

• Alert store staff or security if you see an unattended bag or suspicious item

• Hold purses close to your body and keep wallets in a front pocket or inside a coat.

• Only carry the credit cards you need and limit the amount of cash you bring.

• Keep young children close and choose a central meeting spot in case you get separated.

• Encourage children to stay inside the store until you reunite with them.

• Make a note of where you parked.

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas and avoid secluded spots.

• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.

• Before getting inside, check your backseat and surroundings. If anything feels off, return to the store and ask for security.

• Keep packages and shopping bags out of sight. A locked trunk is best.

• Never leave purses, phones, or wallets visible inside your car.

• Always lock your doors and close your windows, even while driving.

• If using an ATM, choose one in a well-lit location and stay aware of your surroundings.

• Expect heavier traffic and impatient drivers. Stay alert and avoid distractions.

Shopping Online:

• Use a credit card instead of a debit card when possible. It offers stronger protection if something goes wrong with a purchase.

• Look for a secure connection when entering personal information. A padlock in the address bar is a good sign your session is encrypted.

• Some credit card companies provide single-use card numbers for online purchases. Ask your bank if this service is available.

• Protect your personal information. No reputable company will call you and ask for your credit card number, bank details, or social security number.

• Save order confirmations and receipts so you can track purchases and verify statements later.

• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. Many scams rely on urgency or extremely low prices to lure shoppers.

• Only shop through official websites. Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or texts since many phishing scams mimic well-known retailers.

Preventing Package Theft

• Track deliveries and bring packages inside as soon as possible.

• Consider having items shipped to your workplace, a trusted neighbor, or an Amazon Locker or similar pickup location.

• Install a doorbell camera or use a security system if possible.

• Request signature confirmation for high-value deliveries.

Holiday Charity Scams:

• Verify the charity before donating. Check if it is registered with the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at: www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Charities. Or by calling: 1 (800) HELP-FLA. Call: 1 (800) 435-7352. Review how much of each dollar supports the mission rather than administrative costs.

• The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at: www.give.org. Or calling: (703) 247-9321 can also provide helpful background and complaint histories.

• Watch for names that sound similar to legitimate nonprofits. Scammers often choose misleading names.

• Never give financial information to a caller or through an unsolicited email or text. If you want to donate, ask for mailed information or go directly to the organization’s official website.

• Check the IRS website at: www.irs.gov for a charity’s tax-exempt status. The Auto Revocation list shows organizations that have lost their exemption due to missing annual filings.

By staying aware and taking a few simple precautions, you can protect your purchases, avoid scams, and enjoy a safer holiday season. For more safety tips and resources, visit: www.hollywoodpolice.org.

41st Annual Hollywood Chamber Golf Classic:

Join in the fun this Friday, December 12th from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the 41st Annual Hollywood Chamber Golf Classic. Registration will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at: 11:30 a.m. The Golf Classic Event will take place at Orangebrook Golf & Country Club at 400 Entrada Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33021.

Grow your business while having fun! Tournament players are encouraged to network, socialize and participate in the Chamber's signature Golf Tournament.

• Network on the Green

• Contests, Games & Giveaways

• Centennial Celebration

Visit: www.hollywoodchamber.org for more information about fees, sponsorship opportunities or to register as a single player or foursome.