Connecticut BBB alert: avoid becoming a victim of identity theft over the holidays

Dec. 22, 2009 - PRLog -- Better Business Bureau warns that the holiday season provides many new opportunities for identity thieves to ply their trade while consumers are shopping both online and off.

Javelin Strategy and Research reports 10 million people had their identity stolen in 2008, representing a 22 percent increase over 2007.  A stolen wallet can provide a criminal with much more than cash.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, says although there are many ways cyber-criminals can steal personal information, the majority of ID theft is committed using low-tech methods.

“There is considerable attention given to online identity theft and with good reason, however there are still pickpockets and crooks that will grab a purse or wallet and make a run for it. Consumers should keep this in mind when walking around a mall or store, or waiting in line to pay.”

BBB recommends taking the following steps to fight identity theft this holiday season:

In-Store Shopping Tips
Increased traffic at malls and retailers means more opportunity for ID thieves.

•Protect against pickpockets. Keep your purse tucked securely under your arm and your wallet in a front pocket or other safer place. Don’t bog yourself down with too many shopping bags.

•Keep receipts in your wallet. Retailers are required to maintain the privacy of all but the last four digits of the credit or debit card used to make a purchase but it is still a good idea to keep all your receipts together in safe place rather than in your bag or back pocket.

•Review your credit card statement regularly. Check your credit card activity weekly during the holiday season—rather than waiting for the statement at the end of the month—in order to catch suspicious charges as quickly as possible and immediately report any irregularities to your credit card company.

Online Shopping Tips
Forty-four percent of holiday shoppers make purchases online and every year scammers devise online schemes to trick them into divulging personal information such as credit card numbers. BBB recommends that online shoppers:

•Confirm the legitimacy of all “trust marks.”  You can confirm that certification from organizations such as BBB, Versign or TRUSTe is legitimate by clicking on the seal. A legitimate seal will direct you to the certifying organization’s Web site.

•Make online purchases with a credit card. If the credit card number lands in the hands of ID thieves, remember your Fair Credit Billing Act protection which allows you to dispute the charges with your credit card company.

Fight E-mail Phishing Attempts
Many holiday scams can be found in your email in-box. BBB recommends the following steps to protect your computer from hackers:

•Be extremely cautious when viewing e-cards.  In the past, scammers have created fake e-mail notices that claim generically that a "friend" or "family member" has sent them a card. In some cases, victims have clicked on a link that has installed a virus on their computer or their computer caught the virus when the victims installed supposed software needed to view the e-card.

•Purchase anti-virus software from a business you trust. Make sure you update your computer’s operating system, browser program, and antivirus software and install all security patches.

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Founded in 1928, Connecticut BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more advice on finding companies and businesses, start your search with trust at www.bbb.org.