Preventing Holiday Identity Theft

Pay attention to how you make in-store purchases

Data breaches at the holidays give smart thieves a chance to steal account information from thousands of shoppers in one convenient go. Hackers target major retailers to steal credit card information because there are generally more transactions during the holidays.

So, is the solution to stop shopping at major retailers all together? Of course not. Instead, choose a payment method that protects your data. Paying cash is best because it leaves no personal data in the systems of any store. If you do decide to pay with plastic choose the card carefully.

Tip for avoiding ID theft at an ATM

While paying in cash is the safest option in stores, taking cash out of an ATM can pose risks. Sometimes identity thieves will attached a device called a “skimmer” to ATMs to copy credit card information and make unauthorized purchases. Before withdrawing, take a careful look at the card reader to see if it looks like the card reader may have been tampered with. If it does, don’t use it.

Additionally, we recommend using your hand to cover up the keypad as you enter your PIN to avoid onlookers. Sometimes identity thieves will pretend they are texting someone while waiting in line at an ATM, when they are actually trying to take photos of your credit card number/PIN.

Choosing the right card for holiday shopping

Although credit cards keep your main source of cash flow safe, they give thieves easy access to your open credit line if the store’s systems are compromised. If you do opt to use a credit card, choose a card with a low credit limit and/or a card with good fraud protection. That way if your account info is stolen, you limit the damage and the hassle you’ll have dealing with the issue.

Also, make sure that any card you’re using for holiday shopping has fraud protection activated. If the creditor or bank sees charges that they believe are suspicious, they will notify you so you can verify the purchases.

Another option is to get a pre-paid credit card. These allow you to load them with a limited amount of cash. That way, identity thieves won’t get access to any major credit line or debit card you hold.

Think about enhancing your security

Lots of people don’t understand how easily identity thieves can access their personal data. Take time to rethink how you can enhance your account security before going on a holiday shopping spree.

Here are a few tips to help you minimize the possibility of your account(s) being compromised:

Use unique passwords for each account

Strong password security is more crucial than ever. Do your best to create unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts. If this seems like too daunting a task to try and remember a bunch of different passwords, consider using a password manager, such as NordPass, 1Password, or Dashlane. These password vaults securely store complex passwords, making it easier to manage your online accounts. Most offer free options or have upgraded premium or family plans.

Use multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication, or two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires extra steps to verify your identity before you can log in. For example, you may get an email sent to you with a unique code or you may receive a text with a unique code before allowing access to your account. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

Be wary of phishing attacks

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where cybercriminals use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. This is often done through emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to be from legitimate sources like banks, online retailers, or government agencies. Be cautious of suspicious messages that ask for personal information or login credentials and always double-check the website’s URL and look for security indicators like HTTPS.

Always monitor your credit

While it’s not practical to constantly monitor your credit report, there are convenient tools to keep you informed. Free credit monitoring service, like the one offered by Experian, provide real-time alerts, notifying you immediately if someone attempts to open a credit account in your name. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your credit, you can protect yourself from potential identity theft and financial harm.

Be wary of scalpers in online marketplaces

Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp, have become popular places to find unique gifts, deals, and in-demand items, such as the latest gaming consoles or popular toys. Unfortunately, these sites have also attracted scammers and scalpers who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers.

To protect yourself, avoid unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards. Be wary of overpayment scams, where you’re asked to return excess funds after a fraudulent payment. Never share verification codes with sellers, as this could compromise your online accounts. Instead, consider paying cash or using a peer-to-peer payment app that has transaction protections for consumers, i.e. PayPal or Venmo.

Research before making charitable donations

As the holiday season approaches, scammers often take advantage of people’s generosity. They may pose as representatives of legitimate charities, using spoofing technology to disguise their identity.

Before thieves and scammers have you yelling “bah humbug,” make sure to check out charity organizations’ websites to find legitimate information for donating either over the phone, by mail, or online. Additionally, you can look up charity organizations on websites like Charity Navigator or CharityWatch to ensure they are legitimate charities.

Otherwise, consider donating locally. Local food banks and shelters can always use items especially as we enter holiday (winter) season.

Beware Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, while convenient, can pose security risks. To protect your devices and data, limit Bluetooth usage in public places and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping. Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and strengthen your online security. Additionally, keep your devices’ software up-to-date to address potential vulnerabilities. By taking these precautions, you can mitigate the risks associated with wireless technologies.