Secure your holidays
I know I must sound pretty gritchy about the holidays, but there's good reason. Almost every security expert I hear from around this time of year has a warning for consumers who are busy spending a lot of dough on gifts, festivities and decorations.
So I don't want to be a pill, but I do want to pass along some tips from the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Maryland & Delaware, a nonprofit community service, to help you avoid getting scammed this season. Many of these you probably already know, but it's worth a reminder:
Guard your Social Security number -- On trips to the mall, never take it with you. Keep your Social Security card locked in a secure box. Only carry you number on the days you really need it, like when you are applying for a job.
Prevent shoulder surfing -- Many of you pay for stuff with credit cards or open new accounts to cover large purchases or take advantage of store promotions. It's the perfect time to steal sensitive information. You might feel overly cautious, but it's wise to use your arm and hand to shield your information from others. If a salesperson asks for your personal information, don't share it out loud.
Safely stow credit slips -- Businesses are supposed to truncate all but the expiration date and the last five digits on credit card numbers on receipts, but if for some reason it's not, place the receipt in a safe, hard-to-access place in your wallet. Never leave your receipt in shopping bags. Shred your receipts when you no longer need them.
Stop credit card skimming -- Skimming takes place when a clerk slides your card through a second machine, which scans the info on a magnetic strip and stores it until it can be downloaded on a counterfeit card. Don't let it happen. Keep your eye on your card at all times.
Safeguard your debit card -- The debit card is a direct link to your bank account. If it's stolen, money may be immediately transferred from your account. It might not be possible, but it's best to leave debit cards in a safe place at home during the holidays.
Follow safe purse and car practices -- Don't carry a lot of ID with you while shopping. Credit cards, debit cards, check books, deposit slips, etc. are all items thieves can use against you. Don't leave your wallet, purse, laptop or personal mail in your car while it's unattended in a parking lot or even at home on the street.
Be savvy on-line -- Never purchase items on an unsecure Web site. Only buy from reputable vendors that you know and trust. Do not respond to unsolicited e-mail promotions and never provide your Social Security number on-line. Keep printouts of the Web page describing items you ordered, any e-mail messages, the seller's name, address and telephone number and all applicable return policies in case you have problems.
Promote mail security -- Consider getting a mailbox that locks. Keep an eye out for bank and SSA statements, tax or utility bills and gifts. Mail theft often rises this time of year.
Deter dumpster diving -- Most people receive more mail than they can handle over the holidays. Before disposing of junk mail, shred all pre-approved credit offers and items that include your name, address or personal information. Confetti shred documents that contain bar codes or sensitive data.
You might be thinking this is a real downer of a post, but really, as CCCS of Md & Dela. says, "Awareness is the first step to a financially safe holiday season." Follow these tips to secure yourself and your personal information and you really will be able to relax and enjoy when the time comes.
Categories: Consumer protection, Consumer safety, Holiday shopping
