CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) — With shoppers about to hit the malls for Black Friday, local law enforcement is warning that crooks will be there, too.
“During the holidays, be aware of your surroundings,” Clovis Police Sgt. Abby Padgett told Action News.
She says shoppers can take easy steps to protect themselves. It starts before even entering the store.
“Make sure that you don’t leave anything visible,” she said. “I do suggest parking as close to the front as you can or in lighted areas.”
Once inside, Sgt. Padgett says to remain vigilant.
“I would keep your bag close,” she said. “Keep it zipped. Don’t put it inside a shopping cart and leave it while you’re browsing the aisles.”
Amazon also issued a warning this week for online shoppers.
The company is telling its customers that scammers are trying to access sensitive account details, sometimes including their personal and financial information.
Amazon says criminals often try to impersonate the company.
“You want to make sure that you are going to the actual merchant website that’s usually indicated by a little padlock on the side, or it says, ‘verified information,'” Sgt. Padgett said.
Experts say credit cards offer an extra layer of protection over debit cards.
“That way, if there is something that gets compromised, it doesn’t tie up your entire checking account, and it’s easier for a financial institution to help get your money back,” Sgt. Padgett said.
Package theft is also on the rise this season. One in four Americans has had a package stolen.
Prosecutors in New York say brazen “porch pirates” there are known to follow delivery trucks.
“Schedule deliveries for a time that you’re going to be home,” Sgt. Padgett said. “Give specific instructions. If it’s an expensive package, it’s a good idea to make sure that you require a signature.”
For Valley residents shopping in person at River Park or Fashion Fair, there will be increased security.
Action News has learned that officers from several agencies will patrol the malls in uniform and while undercover.
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