Weston Broward Sherrif’s Office Safety Tips

It’s almost time to start that holiday shopping. As most of us continue to check off that holiday list and seek those sales and bargains, shoppers are not the only ones looking for an opportunity. Here are some tips to make sure you stay safe during the holiday season. SHOPPING TIPS

• Be aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas. • Always keep your vehicle locked. Do not store any shopping bags in your vehicle, in between your trips. Thieves are watching mall parking lots and shopping plazas for shoppers that place their purchased merchandise inside their vehicles, before heading to their next location. If possible, bring your shopping bags with you or drop them off at home, before heading out again. • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash and multiple credit cards; only carry what is necessary! • Stay alert. Have your keys in your hand when returning back to your vehicle. • Conduct online transactions in a safe place. Our BSO

Weston District Police Station serves as a safe haven for online buyers and sellers to meet. Transactions can be done at the BSO police station located at 17300 Royal Palm Blvd. in Weston.

HOLIDAY CYBERSECURITY TIPS

• Only shop from secure websites and mobile apps that you already know and trust. Do not be tempted by advertisements on social media or emails offering amazing and unbelievable deals. Criminals send emails and place ads hoping that you’ll be enticed by the promise of saving money or obtaining the

“must-have” item of the year. • Avoid clicking on links even if an email or advertisement looks like it is coming from a site you trust. Cyber criminals love to impersonate your favorite shopping sites by sending you fake emails that can look exactly like the real thing. Criminals are hoping that their fake emails will trick you into clicking the link. Clicking these links can allow them to download malware to your computer or may direct you to a fake page that will try to collect your login information or payment details. • Watch out for fake delivery notification emails and/ or text messages. Criminals are banking on the fact that you are going to be expecting more package deliveries during this time of year. If you’ve ordered something, use the tracking link on your order history page from the website you purchased the items from. If you received a delivery notification, but are not expecting a delivery, navigate to the parcel service’s website directly and enter the tracking number from the suspect email into their online package tracking form. • Monitor your bank and card activity diligently. Sometimes, no matter how careful we are, we can still become victims. Always check your statements for unauthorized transactions. It’s best to pay with a credit card, not using your bank account; you’ll get better liability protection.

LEAVING TOWN?

• Remember to lock your doors, gates, windows and storage sheds. • Use timers to operate lights at night. • Put a hold on your mail, newspapers and package deliveries. Consider having a trusted friend or neighbor stop by to collect these items. Having a full mailbox is a dead giveaway that you are not home. • If possible, leave a vehicle in your driveway. Have a neighbor park his or her vehicle there to give burglars the impression that someone is home. • Keep a low profile on social media while you’re away. Do not post or broadcast that you are on vacation or away from your home, on any social media sites. • Did you know that our BSO Weston District offers our residents a free Vacation Home Watch Program? Our

BSO Weston deputies will drive by your residence and perform a daily perimeter check for any signs of break-in or suspicious activity while you are out of town. Visit the BSO Weston District office for a form or download one at www.westonfl.org/.

For more information, call (954) 389-2010.