Editor note: This post has been refreshed with the latest information to ensure accuracy and relevance to our readers. It was originally published Dec 20, 2019.
The holiday season is filled with excitement—whether you’re traveling to visit family, hosting gatherings, or indulging in some shopping, both in-store and online. Unfortunately, this busy time also attracts cybercriminals and identity thieves looking to exploit this flurry of activity.
4 Tips to stay safe this holiday season
We encourage you to prioritize safeguarding your personal information as part of your holiday plans.
1. Be smart about shopping in-store
Before heading out, take a moment to review what you’re carrying in your wallet or purse. Remove anything unnecessary, especially sensitive documents or items, and make a note of what you have with you. This makes it easier to notice if anything is lost or stolen.
When choosing your method of payment, credit cards generally offer better protection against fraud than debit cards. While cash won’t expose your identity if stolen, it’s gone for good if misplaced. Still using checks? If so, be especially cautious, as stolen checks can provide a thief access to your bank account. Lastly, avoid leaving your wallet or purse in your car—it’s a common but risky mistake.
2. Stay secure while shopping online
Avoid making online purchases from public computers or unsecured Wi-Fi networks, like those at coffee shops. Public computers could be infected with malware, and unsecured networks make it easy for hackers to intercept your data.
Ensure your own devices are equipped with updated security software, and only shop from trusted, reputable websites. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is—it could be a scam designed to steal your identity or payment information. Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and dispute any unauthorized transactions with your bank or card issuer as soon as possible.
3. Be cautious when sending and receiving holiday cards
E-cards can be a fun, convenient way to send holiday greetings, but make sure you’re using a reputable website. Check the terms and conditions to confirm that no unwanted software will be installed on your computer, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, especially from unknown senders. If the card is from “a friend” or “a relative” and includes an attachment—especially an executable (.exe) file—delete it immediately.
For traditional mail, especially if you’re sending checks or gift cards, use a dark, pigmented ink to write checks to avoid “washing” (a process criminals use to erase ink from checks). Always mail sensitive items from a secure USPS drop box and consider upgrading to a locking mailbox to prevent mail theft.
4. Protect yourself and visiting guests
As you welcome guests for the holidays, remember to safeguard any documents that contain sensitive information, such as bank statements, Social Security cards, and checkbooks. Store them in a secure, locked location. For house guests, designate an area where they can store their personal belongings during festivities.
Take action to shield your personal identity this holiday season and beyond!
In addition to the 4 tips above, the resources below can help you boost your identity theft protection during and after the holiday season.
- Consider identity theft protection: Explore identity theft protection services that offer 24/7 monitoring, alerts, and full restoration support if your identity is compromised.
- Be aware of ID theft risks with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) deals: Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of BNPL fraud.
- Remove personal information from the internet: With Privacy Check, you can easily take control of your digital privacy.
Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“PPLSI”) provides access to identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of PPLSI. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional advice, render an opinion, or provide a recommendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, PPLSI makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information.
