KENT, WA — With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the Kent Police Department (KPD) is reminding residents to stay alert and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings while shopping both online and in person.
KPD emphasized the importance of safe online shopping, urging community members to only purchase from secure websites (look for “https” in the URL), check reviews before ordering, and use credit cards for added fraud protection.
For in-person shopping, officers advise shoppers to avoid leaving valuables or packages in vehicles, keep purses and wallets secure, and remain aware of their surroundings when carrying shopping bags. Shoppers are also encouraged to park in well-lit areas and have their car keys ready before approaching their vehicles.
When using online marketplaces, KPD recommends meeting sellers during the day in public places, bringing a friend or sharing your plans with someone you trust, and conducting all communication through the buying platform. They warn against deals that seem “too good to be true,” urging residents to be cautious of scams and stolen goods.
The department also reminds the public to use secure payment methods with buyer protections, such as PayPal, and to avoid sharing personal information like addresses or banking details with strangers.
“Holiday shopping can be exciting, but it’s also a time when scams and thefts increase,” the department noted. “A few simple safety measures can make a big difference.”
For more safety updates, residents can follow the Kent Police Department on social media or visit the City of Kent’s official website.