WASHINGTON – Black Friday is all about snagging great deals, but shoppers should always keep their safety in mind when picking out their clothes for the big day or where they park their car.
Black Friday shopping can be a disorderly experience and many pick pockets and thieves seek to turn the chaos into opportunity.
NerdWallet.com has a few helpful tips to keep you and your purchases safe.
- Cross-body purses can help when moving through crowded aisles or trying on some types of clothing. Another option is simply bringing a wallet and holding it close.
- At the ATM, watch for shoulder surfers who lean over to see a PIN number as it’s being entered.
- If they can, shoppers should try to park by a light and keep their keys in hand walking to and from the car. Shop with a friend so one can stay behind and watch the purchases while the other pulls the car up.
- Put gifts in the trunk or cover them with a blanket to keep them safe from those looking to get them for free by breaking in.
WTOP’s Megan Cloherty contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP and @WTOPliving on Twitter.
