While everyone else is in a merry spirit, they are subject to becoming over confident or maybe just getting rapped up in the season, in doing so they become easy targets for the con artist.
There are several types of con artists and scams that occur this time of year, one is the internet or better known as the World Wide Web (www.com) this is one of the easiest places to get took if you are not careful or if you’re internet illiterate.
In our 21st century, scams, and other schemes are running wild, everything from fake cures, free vacations to someone wanting you to invest a large amount of money in a get-rich scheme. Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Also be wary of phone solicitors, who ask for your personal information, such as your date of birth, social security number or bank account number. Please don’t give out your personal information to anyone.
While you’re out on the town, doing your Christmas shopping, please keep the following safety tips in mind:
Avoid wearing valuable jewelry that might tempt a thief.
Travel in the daytime or well-lit areas as much as possible, and with one or more people, whenever possible.
Carry only the money and credit cards you will need.
Men carry your wallet in your front pocket or inside your jacket.
Ladies carry your purse close to your body and hold onto it firmly, never leave it unattended, like in a shopping cart and walk off down the aisle looking at another sales item.
When returning to your car or to your home, have your keys in your hand, so you can get into either of them quickly.
If while you’re out shopping or just enjoying the holidays and someone looks suspicious, head in the opposite direction, walk quickly to somewhere you feel safe, or join a crowd of people, after all there is safety in numbers.
Carry a loud whistle, shriek alarm or pepper spray in your hand. This way you’ll have it ready if an emergency should arise.
In closing, we at the Baxley Police Department want everyone to know that we’re always on call and ready to serve you when needed. Call us if you see, hear, or suspect that a crime is being committed or is about to be committed. We’re your friends, and we want to keep you and your family safe as we can through out the holidays. It’s our sincere wish that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!
But please keep in mind the reason for the season, and his name is Jesus Christ.