Be Aware! As Black Friday Shoppers Search For Best Deal, Others Search For Best Steal
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There can be more than just great deals in store for you when shopping on Black Friday. So take steps to protect yourself and your identity.
You know the stores will be packed with folks searching for the best deal...and the best steal. Philadelphia District Attorney, Seth Williams urges consumers to be aware and protect themselves. Don't flash the cash, you might even want to consider leaving your credit and debit cards at home.
"You might also want to consider for your own financial security to have pre-paid gift cards to the place you're gonna shop," Williams said, "so if in fact that card is stolen or misplaced, you won't have people with the ability to steal your identity."
You should also read your receipts at purchase to make sure you're charged correctly.
And always park in bright areas with a lot of people around and keep all your gifts and possessions in the trunk. It's also a good idea to have a meeting place at the mall, just in case someone gets separated.
"Have a plan," Williams said. "If you go to the mall or a shopping center with family and friends, choose a place as a rally point in case one member of the group, most likely a child, would get separated from the group, so everyone knows to meet at that one fountain or store."