INDIANAPOLIS -- Police are urging holiday shoppers to stay vigilant this season to keep themselves safe from thieves and scam artists.

Indianapolis police spokesman Sgt. Paul Thompson said Hoosiers should avoid poorly-lit parking lots and ATMs, and are better off shopping with someone else.

"Criminals generally don't prey on a group of individuals. Usually, someone who looks like they're easy prey, and they're alone," he told 6News' Renee Jameson.

Authorities also advise shoppers to write down their credit card numbers, along with the number to call to cancel a card or report it stolen, and store it in a safe place at home.

"In the event they're lost or stolen, a lot of people have trouble finding that after they need it. So, have it at home in case you need it quickly," Thompson said.

If a thief does get personal information, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said Hoosiers can keep them from opening any new credit.

"If you go to IndianaConsumer.com, it's very simple," he said. "What that does is it allows people to freeze those credit reports."

Zoeller said Hoosiers should also be skeptical of anyone who tries to initiate a transaction by phone, e-mail or online.