The New Year is a time for celebrations, fresh starts, and of course, shopping. Whether you’re browsing for deals in stores or purchasing items online, shopping around the New Year can be both exciting and stressful. For seniors, it’s important to prioritize safety and security while shopping. With so many people out shopping and scammers taking advantage of busy seasons, you need to stay cautious.
In this blog post, we’ll share some practical safety tips for seniors, so you can enjoy your New Year shopping experience while staying safe and secure. By following these tips, you’ll be able to shop with confidence, whether you’re visiting stores in person or shopping from the comfort of your home.
Plan Your Shopping Trips
One of the best ways to stay safe while shopping is to plan your trips ahead of time. Before heading out, make a list of the items you need and figure out which stores you’ll be visiting. Knowing exactly what you’re shopping for can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary trips. It’s also a good idea to choose shopping times that are less crowded, like early mornings or weekday afternoons, so you can avoid large crowds and potential safety hazards.
Make sure to bring a fully charged phone with you in case you need to call someone or access directions. It’s also wise to share your shopping plans with a friend or family member, so someone knows where you’ll be.
If you’re shopping in unfamiliar areas, be sure to research parking locations and store hours ahead of time. This helps to avoid getting lost or wandering around in the dark, which can be unsafe.
Be Cautious of Your Surroundings
While out shopping, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, busy shopping areas can attract pickpockets and other criminals who look for opportunities to steal from distracted shoppers. Keep your belongings close, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Using a credit card or a secure mobile payment method can be safer than handling cash.
If you’re carrying a purse, opt for one that zips closed and has a strap that goes across your body. For men, avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket, as it can be easily grabbed. Try to keep your wallet in a front pocket or inside a zippered jacket pocket for added security.
When walking to and from your car, stay alert, especially in parking lots. If possible, park in well-lit areas that are close to the entrance of the store. Have your keys ready when approaching your car, and avoid talking on your phone or texting while walking, as this can make you an easier target for thieves.
Shop With a Companion
Shopping with a friend or family member can be a great way to stay safe during New Year shopping trips. Not only is it more fun to shop with someone else, but it also provides an extra layer of security. Having someone with you makes it less likely that you’ll be targeted by criminals, and they can help you carry bags or assist if you need a break.
If you don’t have a shopping companion, consider joining a senior shopping group. Many communities have groups that organize shopping trips for seniors, providing transportation and company during outings. This can be a great way to stay social while also staying safe.
Protect Your Financial Information
When it comes to shopping, protecting your financial information is critical. This is especially true during busy shopping seasons like the New Year, when scammers are more active. If you’re using a credit or debit card, make sure to keep an eye on your card at all times. Don’t let a cashier or salesperson take your card out of sight, and always ask for receipts.
If you’re shopping online, be extra cautious about where you enter your payment information. Only shop on secure websites that start with “https” and display a padlock symbol in the address bar. Avoid entering your credit card details on websites you’re unfamiliar with, as they may be fraudulent. If you’re unsure about a website’s legitimacy, do a quick search to read reviews or check if there have been any reports of scams.
Using a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, can add an extra layer of security by allowing you to pay without directly entering your card details. These payment methods use encryption to keep your financial information safe.
Be Aware of Scams
New Year shopping also comes with an increase in scams, and seniors are often targeted by scammers who hope to take advantage of the rush. Scammers might contact you by phone, email, or even text, offering fake deals or pretending to be from well-known companies. Be on the lookout for offers that seem too good to be true, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information to unknown sources.
If you receive a call or email from someone claiming to be from your bank, credit card company, or a retailer, be cautious. Scammers often impersonate legitimate companies in an effort to trick people into giving out their personal information. Always verify the identity of the caller or sender before sharing any information. If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using a phone number or email address you trust.
It’s also important to avoid giving out personal information like your Social Security number, credit card number, or passwords over the phone or online unless you’re certain you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
Take Breaks and Stay Comfortable
Shopping for long periods can be exhausting, especially if you’re walking through crowded stores or malls. Seniors should take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and dehydration. Many malls and shopping centers have rest areas where you can sit down and relax, so be sure to take advantage of them.
Wearing comfortable shoes and clothing is also important for a pleasant shopping experience. Supportive shoes can help reduce foot and back pain, and dressing in layers allows you to adjust to different temperatures as you move from store to store.
If you’re shopping online, take breaks between browsing and ordering to avoid eye strain and fatigue. Shopping from home may be more comfortable, but it’s still important to pace yourself.
Avoid Overloading Yourself With Bags
Carrying too many shopping bags can not only be physically exhausting, but it can also make you more vulnerable to theft. If you’re carrying multiple bags, it’s harder to keep track of your belongings, and you may accidentally set something down and forget about it. Try to make regular trips to your car to drop off bags or use a shopping cart if you’re in a mall or large store.
If you’re concerned about carrying too much, ask a store employee for help. Many stores offer assistance to seniors who need help loading purchases into their cars. You can also consider using delivery services if you’re purchasing larger items or prefer not to carry heavy bags.
Stay Safe While Shopping Online
Many seniors prefer online shopping for the convenience and the ability to avoid crowds. However, it’s important to stay safe when shopping online, especially during busy shopping seasons like the New Year. As mentioned earlier, only shop on secure websites, and be cautious about entering your payment information.
You should also be mindful of the type of information you’re sharing online. Some websites may ask for personal details like your address or phone number, but they should never ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number. If a website is asking for information that seems unnecessary, it’s best to avoid shopping there.
Another good practice is to use strong, unique passwords for your online shopping accounts. If you’re concerned about keeping track of multiple passwords, consider using a password manager to securely store your login information.
Conclusion
New Year shopping can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important for seniors to prioritize safety and security. By planning your shopping trips, staying aware of your surroundings, and protecting your financial information, you can enjoy the excitement of New Year sales without worry. Whether you’re shopping in stores or online, taking precautions will help ensure a safe and stress-free experience.
Remember to stay cautious of scams, take breaks when needed, and avoid carrying too many bags. With these tips in mind, you can shop with confidence and enjoy the New Year festivities with peace of mind.