Be
extremely careful using ATM machines
Use them in populated places and be constantly paying attention to what’s going on around you.
Try to go during the daylight hours.
If you must go at night, pick
a machine that is well lit and visible to passing traffic.
If anyone
is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.
At the Mall
Try to shop when the mall is less crowded -- during the weekday,
or at night when malls stay open late for holiday shoppers. Avoid the weekend rush, when it's easy to lose
children among crowds.
Don't dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You
are creating a perfect setup for a purse-snatcher. Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm, or better yet,
don't even carry a purse. Wear a fanny pack facing the front instead. *Besides allowing your hands to be
free to hold onto or carry your child, you’ll eliminate the possibility of leaving your purse behind or having it stolen.
If you use pockets,
place your checkbook, cash, or credit cards in your front pockets. Only bring one or two credit cards and a limited amount
of cash with you.
Spread
your money around in different pockets. That way a pickpocket can't clean you out by reaching into one location.
Avoid carrying your checkbook,
cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because a thief who gets the whole package together can cash checks with
your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time. Keep your keys separate, too.
Don't
"flash" large rolls of money in public. You never know who's watching!
Check to see you’ve been given back your card once you’ve
paid for what you bought.
Watch your credit card slip being filled out - and make sure it's not passed through the machine more than once. Ask
for your carbons.
Destroy
the carbons, but keep your credit card receipts and check them against monthly bills.
Make a list of your major credit cards, their account numbers
and the phone numbers to call if cards are lost. Keep this list at home.
If you’re not sure a shopping bag will be available, take one of your own to the
mall.
In the Parking Lot
Always park where there is plenty of light, not only around
your car, but also from your car to the mall or store entrance.
Once your car is parked, familiarize yourself with its location so you can find it without
delay.
Don't hesitate
to ask for a security escort if you feel unsafe.
Use the trunk of your car to keep
your packages out of sight.
Keep your car locked at all times.
When walking through parking lots, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority.
Don't look like a victim!
Have your keys in your hand before you go to your car. 
