‘Tis the Season ... for Theft Prevention
Courtesy of Identity Safeguards
The chaos of the holiday season is more than just a strain on customers and retailers. It’s a golden opportunity for identity thieves that prey on unsuspecting shoppers. Regardless of the kind of holiday shopping you do, the most important thing is to be aware of who is gaining access to your information.
If an ATM is in a crowded location, shield yourself as you enter your PIN. Perpetrators of ATM fraud, sometimes called “shoulder-surfers,” use the distraction of a busy shopping day to eavesdrop while you enter your PIN. These fraudsters can work in teams. One person watches you enter your PIN, while another sets you up for a pick-pocket.
The hustle and bustle of holiday shopping also raises security issues for retail establishments. Rushed and distracted clerks are less apt to check signatures on credit cards or ask for alternate forms of identification. Less risk for crooks means a greater risk they’ll use a card fraudulently.
The holiday season is a particularly fertile time for trash and mail raiders. When you get receipts, put them in a secure place and dispose of them with a shredder when the time comes. It’s often the simplest mistakes that lead to identity theft.
Whenever ordering online, make sure the retail site processes secure transactions. Often sites will have 800 numbers. Don’t be afraid to call and ask questions. Before any purchase is made, you should feel confident that the site is reputable.
For more information about avoiding identity theft or other scams, click here. To sign up for protection products, click here.
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