Online Shopping: Don’t Be a Target for Cyber Bullies this Holiday Season

When you are shopping online, there is always a potential for cyber criminals to steal your credit card information, or even your identity. Every year more people decide to shop online, and thieves are standing by, ready to hack your computer and steal your information. This is why the National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning consumers to take appropriate security measures to protect your personal information and take every step necessary to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a cyber-attack. 

Tips to Prevent Identity Fraud 

•             Shred or tear up personal financial documents before discarding them. 

•             Do not print personal identifiers, such as your social security number, date of birth or driver’s license number on your checks. 

•             Use your social security number only when absolutely necessary. 

•             Only reveal information online when the website is securely protected (look for a yellow padlock symbol in the corner of your computer screen). 

•             Do not provide personal, financial or any other identifying information to a telephone caller. Ask for the caller’s name and telephone number, and then check to see that the caller is legitimate. 

•             Pay attention to your credit card billing cycles, as identity thieves may reroute bills to another address to hide criminal activities involving your accounts. 

•             Carefully review all monthly credit card statements and check for unauthorized use. 

•             Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for possible errors. 

•             Minimize the number of cards and identifying information you carry, especially your social security card and passport. 

•             Before revealing any information – online, over the phone or in person – ask how it will be used.