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The holiday season is officially in full swing, meaning many will spend the weekend shopping or traveling.

Credit card scams and home break-ins can be prevalent during the holiday season.

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office offers residents several tips to keep their financials and homes secure.

For those who are traveling for the holidays, whether it’s simply in the next town or somewhere a bit more tropical, residents should consider the following tips:

• Make copies of all of your credit cards, important identification information, including your medical insurance cards.
• Take one copy with you (pack it separately from the cards themselves) and leave one copy at home.
• Take only a small amount of cash with you and keep it in a secure place.
• Never put your home address on your luggage tags. Write your phone number instead.
• Make sure all of the doors and windows to your home are secured and locked. If your home has an alarm system, arm it when you leave for your vacation.
• Never post your travel plans on social networks before or during your trip. Wait and save those pictures for when you return.
• Have your mail held at the post office and your newspaper delivery put on hold or ask a family member, a trusted friend or neighbor to pick those items up for you.
• Set automatic timers to turn your interior and exterior lights on and off.
• Call the sheriff’s office or local police department to place a residential security check on your home.

Whether you’re traveling or simply out doing a bit of holiday shopping, you should always keep your valuables locked up, plus keep your physical safety in mind. From Black Friday on, whether you’re online, at a crowded store or in the parking lot putting your finds away, TCSO recommends taking precautions to protect you, your family and financial information. Here are some of the tips law enforcement shared:

• Park your car in areas that are well lit and as close to your destination as possible.
• Always close all of the windows and lock the car doors. Keep all valuables out of view by locking them in the trunk, tucking them under the seat or placing on the floor and covering them with a blanket.
• Never leave your wallet, pocketbook or checkbook in the car. Always keep them with you or secure them in a console.
• If you are driving and become lost, pull over and check your GPS.
• Never leave your car unattended with the motor running for a long period of time.
• If you are going out sightseeing, ask at the hotel front desk if there are any areas you should avoid.
• Only take the cash you need for the day with you. Leave the rest, and all other valuables, locked in the hotel or motel safe.
• Never display large amounts of cash when making a purchase. The money you keep with you should be in small denominations.