 As we approach the holiday season, your
community bankers encourage you to take precautions to
ensure your personal safety as well as your financial
safety.
Holiday Shopping at the Mall
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Be sure to
park as close to the door as possible, especially
after dark.
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Park in
well-lighted areas and always be aware of your
surroundings.
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Make sure
your purse is closed at all times. An open handbag is
an easy target for someone walking behind you or
standing behind you in a line. They could easily reach
in and grab your wallet before you even realize it.
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Be sure not
to overload yourself with packages. Should an
emergency arise, you don’t want to be fumbling with
packages and possibly drop your keys.
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Try not to
park next to a van, as you could easily be pulled in
through the sliding door.
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If shopping
alone, walk to your car with authority, purpose and
confidence. Have your keys ready and if you have a
remote control, unlock your door as you are walking up
to it so you can get into your car quickly. After you
get into your car, re-lock the doors. Don’t sit in
your car with your door open while you are arranging
your packages.
ATM Safety
When stopping to make an ATM withdrawal before heading
off to the mall, keep these safeguards in mind:
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Make sure your ATM is in a
well-lighted area and be aware of your surroundings.
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Try to make your ATM transactions
during daylight hours.
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A drive-up ATM is generally safer
than a walk-up facility. But if you have an uneasy
feeling, drive to another ATM location.
Financial Safeguards
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Try to avoid the last minute crowds
by shopping early to avoid impulse buying.
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Ask about refund policies before
you buy and save all receipts.
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Set a budget and stick to it. By
not overspending, you will avoid the stress of trying
to find the financial resources to pay for gifts long
after the holidays are over.
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When shopping online, be sure to
deal with reputable companies and order only on a
secure server.
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Using debit and credit cards when
holiday shopping is always safer than carrying around
a large amount of cash.
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By deducting the money straight
from your bank account with a debit card, you bypass
the chance of racking up a big balance on your credit
card.
We are always at risk, but should take
steps to minimize the chances of bad things happening.
Early preparation and planning will allow you to handle
and react to emergencies and ensure you a safe and happy
holiday season and beyond.
CONSUMER TIPS is provided as a public
service by the Missouri Independent Bankers Association
AND
Community Bank of the Ozarks
P.O. Box 43
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
(573) 374-5245
1-800-927-4314
www.cbobanker.com
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