Christmas shopping is all about flashing plastic. You put presents on credit cards without a second thought. Identity thieves love the holiday season because it offers many opportunities to steal credit cards and social security numbers.
Identity thieves may obtain personal data through many different means, such as shoulder-surfing, skimming devices and dumpster diving. How can shoppers help themselves to be protected? LifeLock, which helps its members protect themselves from identity theft, offers the following tips:
* Be aware that your information is probably already out there via data losses or on public Web sites, and understand the proper procedures if someone begins using the information.
* Don’t give out personal information via email or on social networking Web sites.
* Make sure your computer is updated and protected from viruses and malware. Peer-to-peer software should be avoided. These programs may allow criminals access to your computer and steal documents.
* Consider using one-time-use credit cards, paying with cash or setting up a special holiday shopping bank account that isn’t linked to your everyday accounts.
* Pay attention to who is around you and what is done with your information when you apply for store credit cards.
* Shop online only on secure Web sites, and never send personal information to sellers on eBay or other sites directly. Use PayPal.
* Consider your defense options. There are many ways to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Take a look at all options and choose a service that will search for your information and give you the tools to prevent others from using it. It is important that you find a service that will provide the security and protection you need in case of identity theft or fraud.
LifeLock’s Identity Alert system, LifeLock LifeLock, was recently launched to protect consumers during holidays. LifeLock will notify members via e-mail or postal mail if it discovers that personal information is being used to apply online for credit cards, wireless services or retail credit.
Visit www.amazon.com for more information www.lifelock.com.
