It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and bustle of the holiday season, but it is important to remember that identity thieves do not take holidays! In fact, holiday shoppers can make particularly ripe target for identity theft because of the shear volume of purchases and transfer of sensitive personal data that occurs during this period.
Identity Theft Prevention Service ID Secure has released a handful of simple but effective tips for buyers who can help you avoid being a victim this holiday season. What we particularly like about these tips is the address ways to shop safely both at your favorite store, and when you fill your virtual shopping carts on the web.
1. Shop smart ... When shopping, limit the credit cards you carry and do not take extras. Leave your Social Security card, birth certificate and passport at home.
2. Keep receipts ... For post-holiday statements, be sure to review all charges on your statement before paying. Your receipts provide a great cross reference check and guard against suspicious activity.
3. Protecting before shopping online computer ... Make sure your security patch and antivirus software is updated regularly. Consider a technology that protects against potential viruses that threaten your identity purchasing. Always check the lock icon on the browser's status bar of the site, which signals a secure site that is safe for transactions.
4. Do not write a check ... When considering the gift of money, give cash or a gift card. If you write a check, make sure that your social security number is on the check.
5. Give the gift of safety ... Buy a shredder cross-cut - a great line of defense for identity thieves - for that special someone on your listing. It is smart to purchase one to protect you, too.
6. Strengthen passwords ... Create passwords that will not be easily cracked by hackers. Use passwords with at least eight characters, including a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for predators to pounce on.
Secure ID will be releasing another handful of identity theft prevention tips between now and December 24, we will post here as a service to readers of the Daily NextAdvisor.
If you are interested in learning more about identity theft prevention services, visit our in-depth reviews of several suppliers or if you have specific questions on the prevention of identity theft, read our FAQ for more information.