Stay Safe Holiday Shopping

If you’re revved up to hit the malls the day after Thanksgiving, don’t walk out the door until you take a few minutes to plan a safe shopping trip—for you and your wallet.

  • Make a list and check it twice.
    Plan to stay within your budget and only shop for items on your list. Don’t carry a large amount of cash—use a credit card or digital wallet to minimize loss if your wallet is stolen.

  • Clean out your wallet.
    Do this before you get to the stores. Keep only the credit cards, cash, or identification you need for the day. Leave everything else at home.

  • Know whom to call.
    Write down all the phone numbers of credit and debit card issuers that you’d have to call if your wallet were stolen. Include the credit union phone number on that list. Keep the list in a safe place—but not in your wallet. Report any theft or loss immediately to both the card issuer and the police.

  • Use Your CFFCU App to Turn Your Card Off if Lost or Stolen.
    If you happen to lose your Cy-Fair FCU credit or debit card, you can quickly turn your card off using our mobile app so charges can’t be made on your card. To do this, open/login to the Cy-Fair FCU mobile app, click “More” at the bottom of the app, at the top click “Manage My Cards”, find the card you wish to turn off, click the “On/Off” slider next to “Card Status”.

  • Park under the lights.
    Seek well-lit parking spaces as close to the store as possible.

  • Hold onto your receipts.
     Don’t let the cashier toss the receipt in the shopping bag. Keep all your holiday shopping receipts in a single envelope and make sure the charges match your monthly credit card statements.

  • Have your key ready.
    Put your ignition key in your hand before you go to your vehicle. If you’re fumbling for your keys with a load of packages in your arms, you’re an easy target.

  • Put packages in the trunk.
    Make several trips if necessary. Don’t leave anything of value—even a coat—visible through car windows.

  • Have “The Safety Talk” with the kids.
     If you’re shopping with children, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security guard if they get separated from you and get lost.

Cy-Fair FCU