A 2025 Holiday Shopping Safety Guide: Essential Tips for Secure Shopping
By Ring on December 8, 2025
The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and plenty of shopping opportunities. While searching for the perfect gifts for your loved ones can be exciting, it's essential to prioritize your safety during this busy time. Whether you're browsing local shops or searching through online retailers, this guide will offer tips to help you protect your purchases and your personal information throughout this holiday shopping season.
How to Stay Safe While Shopping in Stores During the Holidays?
Quick Answer: For safe in-store holiday shopping, shop with companions and park in well-lit areas. Keep your keys accessible and store purchases out of sight and in the trunk of your car.
Shopping during the holiday season requires extra vigilance, even after the Black Friday rush subsides. The City of Lakewood1 recommends shopping with companions to stay safe. If shopping in the evening, choose a well-lit parking spot and keep your vehicle locked. Guard your wallet or handbag at all times. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and if possible, opt to pay for purchases with a credit card. If your card gets misplaced or stolen while shopping, alert your card issuer immediately. When your shopping is done, make sure your keys are in hand before you walk to your vehicle. Secure your purchases by storing them in your trunk or keeping them out of sight in your vehicle.
Remember: If you ever notice suspicious activity while shopping in person, don't hesitate to alert store security or local law enforcement. Trust your instincts, as it's always better to be cautious than to ignore potential security concerns.
What Are the Best Practices for Safe Online Holiday Shopping?
Quick Answer: To shop safely online during the holidays, ensure your device software is up-to-date. Shop only with established retailers while using your secure home Wi-Fi network rather than public connections. Always verify the website's security by checking for the padlock symbol next to URLs, which indicates encrypted connections.
The National Cybersecurity Alliance2 emphasizes that before you start your online shopping session, you’ll want to ensure your device's software is up-to-date. When making purchases online, stick to trusted and legitimate vendors. While browsing, always check for the padlock symbol next to website URLs, as this indicates your connection is encrypted. For maximum security, conduct your online shopping through your home Wi-Fi network rather than public networks.
How Can I Improve My Online Shopping Security at Home?
To enhance your digital security during holiday shopping, consider implementing a Ring Alarm Pro3 system, which functions as both a security system and an eero router. For additional protection, you can opt for a Ring Home subscription, sold separately. This subscription provides valuable security features including data encryption and automatic software updates, helping to safeguard your personal information while you shop.3
How Do I Protect My Holiday Purchases After Delivery?
Quick Answer: Track your holiday deliveries closely and bring packages inside immediately upon arrival to prevent theft. When disposing of packaging, break down boxes completely and use covered recycling bins to avoid advertising valuable items to potential thieves.
Protecting your holiday purchases doesn't end at checkout. Actively track your shipments and ensure packages are brought inside immediately upon delivery. If you won't be home to receive your package when it's delivered, leave instructions for your delivery drive so they can place the package in a secure location out of immediate sight. For deliveries that deserve special attention, select the “require a signature upon delivery,” option if available.
For more detailed information about protecting your deliveries throughout the year, check out our package theft prevention guide.
Whether you choose to shop online or in stores this holiday season, safety should always be your priority. By following these tips, you can enjoy your holiday shopping while keeping yourself and your purchases secure. Both shopping methods can be safe when you take appropriate precautions, so choose the approach that best suits your comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Shopping Safety
Q: Is it safer to shop online or in stores during the holidays?
A: Both shopping methods can be safe when proper precautions are taken. Online shopping offers convenience and reduces exposure to crowds, while in-store shopping allows you to inspect items personally and avoid shipping delays. Choose the method that best suits your comfort level while following appropriate safety measures.
Q: What should I do if I notice suspicious activity while shopping in person?
A: If you notice anything suspicious, immediately alert store security or management. Keep your distance from suspicious individuals and, if necessary, contact local law enforcement. Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right, it's better to be cautious.
Q: How can I tell if an online store is legitimate?
A: Look for verified customer reviews, a professional website design, secure payment methods, and clear contact information. Check the URL for the padlock symbol and ensure it starts with "https://". When in doubt, stick to well-known retailers or thoroughly research unfamiliar ones before making purchases.
Q: What's the safest way to pay for holiday purchases?
A: Credit cards typically offer the best protection against fraud compared to debit cards or cash. Many credit card companies provide zero liability for unauthorized purchases and can help dispute fraudulent charges. Consider using digital wallets or payment services that add an extra layer of security to your transactions.
1http://lakewoodca.gov/News/Public-Safety-news-stories/Holiday-shopping-safety-tips
2https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/safe-online-holiday-shopping
3Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View https://ring.com/plans for pricing and details.
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