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Shoppers Beware - Tis The Season
It's the number one complaint from consumers and it only takes
a moment for you to become a victim. While you search for holiday
bargains, identity thieves are searching for targets -
unsuspecting consumers. Here are some tips to help you safeguard
your identity and other valuables:
1) Protect your account numbers - Most stores only print the
last four or five digits of the charge account on your receipt.
However, some stores haven't caught up with technology. If the
merchant makes an impression of your charge card, be sure to ask
for any carbons that are part of the receipt. "Dumpster divers"
can lift account numbers from discarded carbons to steal your
identity and your account information.
2) Protect Your Social Security Number - If you are asked to
provide a SSN when making a purchase, challenge the cashier as to
why they need this information. Request that some other form of
ID be used instead of your SSN. There is no valid reason for them
to request this information. You provided it when you applied for
your account so they should already have this on file.
However, if you've opened a new account, don't be surprised if
the cashier asks to see some form of picture ID, such as a
driver's license. Don't view this as an imposition, remember that
the store is actually taking steps to protect you - making sure
that you are the account holder.
3) Keep an eye on your charge cards and receipts - Don't let
your charge card leave your sight. Most cashiers will keep your
card so that they can verify the signature on the receipt.
However, sometimes they simply swipe your card, then hand it back
to you or put it on the counter for you to retrieve. Check that
the card you've been given back is yours and not someone else's.
Occasionally, mistakes can happen, especially when the store is
busy.
Also, make sure that you take your receipts with you. You'll
need them to verify your purchases when your bills come in
January and February.
4) Watch for pickpockets - Professional pickpockets love the
holiday shopping season. Open backpacks, large shopping bags and
unstrapped purses are a pickpockets dream. "Be wary of the
distractions around you, because that's what the pickpockets
like. They usually work in teams," said Edward Gross, a Chicago
police officer. "They usually work in teams. For example, one of
the team members fakes a fall and when an innocent person tries
to help that's when the other pickpocket lifts the victim's
wallet."
5) Use a credit card and a secure site when shopping online -
Paying by credit card is the safest way to pay online. It
protects your legal right to dispute charges for goods or
services never received, never ordered or misrepresented.
When you get to the merchant's payment page, the "http" at the
beginning of the url address should change to "https" or "shttp".
This is a sign that the site is encrypting or scrambling your
credit card information as you send it to them. Many browsers
will even alert you of this via a pop-up window. Whenever
possible, print and keep a receipt of your online transaction in
case you need it later.
Happy Holidays!
About The Author
© 2004, www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com
James H. Dimmitt is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a weekly free
newsletter to help you manage your personal finances. Subscribe
to the newsletter by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com. He is also
author of "Identity Theft - How to Avoid Becoming the Next
Victim!" available at http://tinyurl.com/bc45.
MORE RESOURCES:
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