Identity Protection Directory

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The holiday season has come to mean a lot of shopping! Most of us head out for gifts as well as spend money on other expenses, both in the real world and online.

While most consumers enjoy a Thanksgiving, holiday season and New Year’s celebration without incident, thousands more will find themselves the victims of theft and fraud. Yet, many – if not most – of the thefts could be avoided by following a few simple guidelines for keeping belongings and credit accounts safe from attack.

Bring your senses with you when you go shopping.

 A tough economy means crime will likely rise. When shopping at malls, strip malls and other retail outlets, remember to park as close to the building’s entrance as possible. You should also park under overhead lighting whenever possible, to discourage potential attacks. As you move between the store and your vehicle, keep your eyes and ears alert, and don’t stop to talk to strangers who approach you. When inside the store, never leave your purse unattended, and don’t stray from well-populated areas of the mall.

You may also wish to purchase some form of personal protection such as a stun gun, taser, or personal alarm. These will give you an added defensive edge when dealing with potential attackers. Most are small enough to fit inside a purse or coat pocket, so they won’t encumber you when you’re struggling with lots of shopping bags full of gifts.

Arrive early to parties and official functions, and don’t go to your car alone.

 The holiday season means lots of parties, some which will bring you to your office building or home at odd hours. When using a parking garage, park close to the elevator or stairwell, near where other cars are parked. Check in with any security personnel as you enter and leave the building, and ask them to escort you if you feel nervous about returning to your vehicle.

If you’re at the party alone, make arrangements to call a cab or go home with a friend if you have “too much fun.” The holidays are no time to create painful memories, and your personal security is important all year round.

Keep your credit rating safe by protecting your credit cars and bank accounts.

 Recent federal statistics show a huge increase in the amount of identity theft and credit card fraud. But nevertheless credit card theft is perhaps the most widespread form of identity theft, even though it’s easily avoided and protected against.

Don’t just throw credit card receipts and monthly statements away, but save them in your home until they can be shredded or burned. Identity thieves will often “dumpster dive” for such documents as an entryway into your credit information.

Use only secured sites when shopping online. These sites are immediately recognizable either by a lock graphic visible in your browser’s lower right-hand corner or by checking for the website protocol “https.”  You can also check for documentation attesting to the site’s security. These are granted by independent third-party evaluators including Microsoft, Excite, and others.