6 Safe Holiday Shopping Tips You Should Know

Identity theft is becoming more and more commonplace. Chances are, you or someone you know has been affected by identity theft. This holiday season, don’t be a victim. Here are some safe holiday shopping tips for you and your family.

Safety Tips for Shopping in Stores

1. Avoid the mad rush.

Need I say, Black Friday? Not only is it unpleasant to get trampled at opening time, employees will be distracted and not as helpful . . . making for quite the shopping experience. You don’t need to have a brawl at the gates of Walmart. Sit this one out.

2. Protect your debit card from prying eyes.

You know that slick-looking, black cash back debit card you love? Better shield it from prying eyes or photo-snapping cameras as you whip it out. Don’t forget to cover your PIN code as you’re entering it!

3. Watch out for skimmers.

Getting cash at an ATM? You’re going to want to make sure you’re not sliding your card through a skimmer – a device that captures your card number which can then be used by thieves. Crooks set these up at ATMs hoping to steal your information so they can go on a shopping spree.

Safety Tips for Shopping Online

1. Make sure you have the latest security software.

Do a software update on your Mac or PC to ensure you have the latest security software for your computer. Sometimes just security software from the operating system isn’t enough though, so be sure to check out third party programs you can install.

2. Make sure your transactions are secure.

If you see an Internet address with “https://” before the start of it, that means you’re secure. You only need to make sure this shows up before entering in any banking information, as many sites only secure the checkout portion of their website.

3. Review your bank statements on a regular basis.

It’s good to log into your online banking website once every few days. If you see a fraudulent transaction, you’ll be able to contact your bank and ensure you don’t lose your funds. The longer you wait after a fraudulent use of your account, the less likely you are to keep your money.

Are you going to be shopping online or in store this holiday season? Leave a comment and let us know!