As we head into one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office wants to help you stay safe whether you’re shopping in stores, online, or donating to causes you care about.
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday Safety Tips
• Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded parking lots.
• Park in well-lit areas and lock your vehicle.
• Keep shopping bags out of sight, preferably in your trunk.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; use cards or digital payments when possible.
• Shop with a friend when you can. There’s safety in numbers.
Cyber Monday Safety Tips
• Only shop on secure, reputable websites (look for “https”).
• Never click on suspicious links or pop-up ads.
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Avoid making purchases while on public Wi-Fi.
Giving Tuesday: Donate Safely
Giving Tuesday is a wonderful time to support nonprofits, but make sure your donations go to legitimate organizations.
• Verify charities through trusted sites like Charity Navigator or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.
• Be cautious of high-pressure requests or organizations you’ve never heard of.
• Never donate via gift card or wire transfer.
See Something Suspicious? Say Something.
Always report suspicious or criminal activity by calling the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 or 911 if it’s an emergency.
Stay safe and enjoy the holiday season, Beaufort County!
