Full Notification

It’s the most wonderful (and busiest!) time of the year… I’m sure we all can appreciate the convenience of online shopping during this holiday season. While knocking out that shopping list with the few clicks of a button, keep in mind ways to protect your information & your packages.  

Protect Your Personal & Financial Information

• Before you jump on the Internet, secure your personal computers by updating your security software. Everyone’s computer should have anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed.
• Keep your personal information private and your password secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
• Beware of “bargains” (especially in the form of popups or links) from companies with whom you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background and customer service information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company. Companies with customer service phone numbers or emails and clearly stated return & exchange polices are more likely to be legitimate. A quick google search can also tell you if someone else has discovered that website to be a scam.
• Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock next to the URL address or “https” in the URL address.
• Save all receipts & confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
• Consider using alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as PayPal, at online stores.

• Have packages sent to your office or the home of a friend or family member who will be home for the delivery.
• Use local pick up options if available- in-store pick up, amazon locker, etc.
• Consider adding a doorbell camera near your front door.
• Track your delivery online. Check your package’s deliver status for an estimated delivery time and try to be home when it arrives.
• When selecting shipping options, choose one that requires you to sign for delivery. In most cases, if you are not home when a delivery is attempted, you can either pick up your packages in person or schedule a delivery for a time when you are able to receive it.
• UPS & FedEx both offer customers the ability to customize the time & date of the delivery for a time when they will be home.