Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

This press release includes audio
PR #: 1300124
Date Issued: Nov 25, 2013 - 11:35am

Cyber Shopping safety tips from the Sheriff's Office Cyber Crimes Unit

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

The dramatic increase in online shopping for the holidays has led to the creation of Cyber Monday on the Monday following Thanksgiving.

While cyber shoppers are hoping to find some great deals on Cyber Monday, this is also an important time for shoppers to increase their awareness of the risks associated with shopping online.

"Even when we take every precaution online, the reality is we have no control over who holds that data on the other end," Sergeant Dennis Carry of the Sheriff's Cyber Crimes Unit said.

"Great savings can often be obtained by shopping online," Sergeant Carry said, "But what happens to all that confidential data a shopper submits? What happens when a shopper selects to save their credit card information on a specific website? The reality is, a consumer has no way of knowing if that data, held in cyberspace, will be breached by a hacker."

Sergeant Carry offers the following safety tips for cyber shoppers:

  • Read your credit card statements as soon as you get them to make sure there are no unauthorized charges. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.
  • Always type a website address yourself or access it through trusted search engines.
  • Never click on an email link, taking you to a purchase site. The link may take you to a fraudulent site.
  • Don't allow online sites to maintain your credit card information. Although it's convenient, this is risky.
  • When having items shipped to your residence, make sure they are taken inside timely, preventing thieves from taking them or realizing nobody is home and potentially leaving yourself exposed to a burglary.
  • Always use a credit card instead of debit or check. Credit cards have an additional level of consumer protection in the event of a fraudulent purchase or disputed transactions.
  • If it just looks too good to be true, it probably is.

"Shop smart, be safe, and happy holidays," Sergeant Carry adds.

For more information about personal safety and safe communities, visit Washoesheriff.com and click the "Staying Safe" link.


The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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