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As the year draws to a close, the excitement of festive celebrations, family gatherings and gift exchanges fills the air. Amidst the cheer, staying safe becomes just as important as finding the perfect holiday deal. In Paramount, residents have access to safety resources designed to protect their homes, purchases and personal information during the busiest time of the year.
If travel plans are part of your holiday schedule, consider taking advantage of the City’s Request a Patrol Check service. Offered in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), this free resource provides periodic inspections of your home while you are away. Paramount Public Safety and LASD staff ensure that your property remains secure, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your trip. To schedule this service, simply contact the Public Safety Department at (562) 220-2002 at least two weeks before your departure.
For those finding or selling gifts and decorations through online marketplaces, the City’s Safe Internet Purchase Exchange Zone is the perfect solution for worry-free transactions. Located at the Paramount Sheriff’s Station (15001 Paramount Blvd.), this well-lit, camera-monitored parking spot offers a secure location for meeting buyers or sellers. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9pm, Monday through Sunday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on holidays and provides a practical way to exchange goods while staying safe.
The holidays can also attract an uptick in scams or scammers, targeting the heightened activity and generosity of the season. Fraudulent schemes such as deceptive text messages and enticing, too-good-to-be true online offers are particularly common. One example of these scams involves fake package delivery notifications. Messages might claim something like, “The USPS package has arrived at the warehouse and cannot be delivered due to incomplete address information. Please confirm your address in the link within 12 hours.” These scams aim to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, potentially compromising personal information or leading to financial loss. Always verify suspicious messages and rely on trusted sources to avoid falling victim to these tricks.
Paramount’s commitment to safety ensures that residents can focus on enjoying the holiday spirit without unnecessary concerns. Whether securing your home, making safe exchanges or staying alert to scams, these resources are here to help you navigate the season confidently. For more information about safety programs and tips, follow the Public Safety Department’s Facebook page.
