The festive season comes with a lot of shopping excitement for many families. As it is a busy time with lots of specials on offer, malls are always packed, and online stores receive more orders than at any other time of the year.

This is also, unfortunately, a time when criminals are on the lookout for victims who will fall for their scams. It is therefore important to keep an eye out and practise safe shopping during this time.

Here are a few tips you can follow to stay safe while enjoying the festive buys:

1. Avoid public Wi-Fi
Always use secure connections like home networks or mobile data when accessing online banking or shopping services.

2. Shop with others
Avoid going to the shops or malls by yourself; always get a friend or family member to accompany you, especially if you will be shopping in the evenings.

3. Track deliveries safely
Use official courier tracking sites or links and arrange for a safe delivery point where packages can be left if you are unable to receive them yourself.

4. Limit cash use
Use digital payments like bank cards that are linked to your phone, or use your banking app to pay rather than risking theft by carrying cash around to use it for transactions.

5. Be alert in parking areas
Look for safe parking spaces at malls or shopping centres. Put items you have bought or bags inside the boot, instead of leaving them on the car seats, where they might get easily stolen.

6. Keep valuables secure
Only carry what you will need when going shopping, and keep your wallet, phone, and other items you’re carrying with you zipped up in your bag, and hold the bag close to your body.