Identity theft is a problem any time of the year. But while consumers are focused on giving during the holidays, crooks are focused on taking. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers the following tips to help consumers protect themselves during the busy holiday season and every day.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Sidewalks and malls will be crowded and shoppers will be distracted. This creates the perfect combination for a pick-pocket.
PROTECT YOUR MOBILE PHONE
Cell phones are prime targets for theft. SMART phones and devices contain a lot of personal data. Password protect your phone, tablet, and other wireless devices. Report them missing or stolen to the police and your carrier as soon as you realize they are no longer in your possession.
DON’T CARRY LARGE SUMS OF CASH
Charge your purchases or use a debit card. Remember that credit cards offer some protections that debit cards don’t. When you use a credit card, you can dispute a purchase before paying for it. With a debit card, money is removed from your account at the time of the purchase.
GUARD YOUR PIN AT THE ATM
Be aware of anyone lurking around the ATM. Thieves can also install devices that read your information at the ATM without you knowing it. If you notice anything unusual about the ATM, use a different one, and report what you’ve seen to the bank.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS
Unscrupulous clerks or waiters can copy your card information and later make a new credit card for themselves. Worse yet, they can sell your information to an organized crime ring.
LIGHTEN YOUR WALLET
Remove anything from your wallet that you don’t absolutely need to have with you. That way, if someone is successful in stealing it, they won’t get as much. If you’re not going to be using your checkbook, leave it at home.
MAKE COPIES OF BOTH SIDES OF YOUR CARDS
If you lose your wallet, you’ll have easy access to all of your account numbers and phone numbers, allowing you to alert your bank immediately.
KEEP UP WITH RECEIPTS
Not only will you need them to make returns easily, but crooks are very interested in stealing the information they contain.
READ STATEMENTS AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE
Check for any unauthorized purchases and keep a watchful eye on your accounts by going online and reviewing them each week. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, report it immediately to your bank or credit card company.
SECURE ALL PERSON INFORMATION EVEN WHILE HOME
Unfortunately, many times an identity thief is someone we know. Sometimes we are too trusting with house cleaners, repair representatives, gardeners, and babysitters.
CONSIDER SIGNING UP FOR A CREDIT MONITORING SERVICE
Such services alert you via email any time there is an inquiry or other unusual activity on your credit report. Some insurance companies can add identity theft protection to your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission for other help and resources.
RELATED POSTS
Is Your Life an Open (Face)Book?
Beating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Restoring Health
Metabolic Balance Makes Food Shopping Simple
Myra Nissen, CCH
Copyright © 2013 –, Myra Nissen.
Would you like to include this article in your newsletter or website?
You can as long as you include the following blurb with it:
This article was brought to you by Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Board Certified Classical Homeopath. Myra teaches women how to recognize their body’s unique needs and cues and uses Homeopathy to help empower women to take control of their bodies, health and well-being. Find out more, visit her blog www.myranissen.com/blog.