As the holiday shopping season gets underway, the Kent Police Department is reminding residents to stay alert and take precautions to protect themselves and their valuables when buying gifts online or in person.
The department issued a list of safety reminders this week aimed at helping shoppers avoid theft and scams during one of the busiest retail periods of the year:
- For online shoppers, Kent Police advise using secure websites that include “https” in the web address and researching unfamiliar sellers before making purchases. They recommend using credit cards over debit cards because of stronger fraud protections and monitoring statements regularly for suspicious charges. Shoppers are also encouraged to track deliveries, install doorbell cameras, and arrange to be home or have a neighbor retrieve packages to prevent porch thefts.
- When shopping in person, residents should keep valuables out of sight by placing purchases in the trunk before arriving at a parking lot. Police suggest leaving large purses at home, carrying minimal cash, and staying alert while walking to vehicles. Shoppers are urged to park in well-lit areas, lock doors immediately after entering their cars, and return indoors if they notice suspicious activity nearby.
- For those using online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, police stress the importance of meeting during daylight hours in public, populated areas. Shoppers should bring a friend or notify someone of their plans, verify buyers and sellers through platform reviews, and avoid moving conversations to outside apps that lack safety features. Kent Police also warn that deals that appear too good to be true often are and may involve scams or stolen goods. Payments should be made through secure services that offer buyer protection, and users should never share personal information such as home addresses or banking details.
The Kent Police Department encourages residents to remain vigilant and make safety a priority while shopping this holiday season.
