Law enforcement expert shares five tips to make holiday shopping safer, more secure

Many of us are all on the same mission for the next few weeks: Find the perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones. But the holidays bring an increase in crime like thefts.

We want to make sure you keep your gifts and personal belongings safe this season, so we spoke with the Naples Police Department to get the best tips.

Here's how to stay safe while shopping this holiday season.

1. Always lock your vehicle and keep valuables hidden

This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but Naples PD is working hard to promote locking your vehicle before leaving the area. There's been a decrease in car thefts this year in Naples and the police want to keep it that way.

Always lock your car and take your keys or fob with you. If there's gifts or valuables in the car, consider keeping them in your trunk or under the seats so they aren't in plain view.

More: The holidays are prime crime time. Naples police expert shares tips on avoiding auto burglary

2. Be cautious of strangers approaching you

While not all strangers mean harm, some thieves use manipulative tactics to catch you off guard.

"Many thieves will use different methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or merchandise," Naples PD Lieutenant Bryan McGinn said.

Be aware of your surroundings and don't engage in interactions with strangers who don't seem trustworthy.

"When shopping, park in well-lit areas and stay vigilant of what is happening around you," McGinn said.

3. Make sure the Wi-Fi you use for online shopping is trustworthy

"Don’t use free wireless networks, such as those in coffee shops, when you shop online," McGinn said. Fraudulent Wi-Fi hotspots are too easy to set up and are often disguised to look like legitimate services offered by reputable companies."

Naples PD recommends doing your online shopping at home on your own Wi-Fi.

"Bad guys use these fraudulent sights to capture your data or install malware on your device," McGinn said. "Waiting until you have a secure connection at home or using data from your own personal cellular plan is a good way to eliminate this type of operation."

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4. Use a credit card instead of a debit card

"Many people like using a debit card due to convenience or as a budgeting tool, but debit cards lack the same consumer protections that credit cards do," McGinn said. "Should your account be compromised, you can be responsible for a greater share of the loss than if you had used a credit card."

Cash is also a safer option.

McGinn also warns shoppers of scam calls pretending to be your bank.

"If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be from your credit card company asking you to verify Personally Identifiable Information, be careful," McGinn said.

5. Beware of online offers that are too good to be true

Sometimes, online products are scams and buyers are left with an item different than the one they purchased or nothing at all.

"Be wary of online deals that are too good to be true," McGinn said. "Do your research on whoever you are buying from."

Don't trust sites you don't recognize.

Stay safe and happy shopping!

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples PD share five holiday, Christmas shopping safety tips