As the holidays approach, you will most likely be spending more time out shopping. Unfortunately, each swipe of your card could lead to identity theft – which can lead to debt in your name. Use these holiday identity theft tips to keep your information and finances safe.
Use ACCC’s holiday identity theft tips to stay safe!
5 Holiday Identity Theft Tips
Identity theft comes in all shapes and sizes. However, it always leads to at least a huge inconvenience. At worst, it could cost you thousands of dollars. That’s why it’s best to protect your personal information, especially at high volume shopping times. Scammers know people will be swiping more often, looking for irresistible deals and potentially being sloppier with their info.
Check out these 5 tips to avoid the mayhem.
List of Holiday Shopping Tips to Avoid Identity Theft
- Use cash instead of your credit or debit card. No information is shared! Additionally, you will be more likely to stay on your shopping budget. You can’t spend what you don’t have! What better way to spend the holidays than on budget.
- Check your banking statements more frequently. Make sure all your purchases are correct and there isn’t anything suspicious.
- Don’t use any card swipe that looks strange or broken or different in some way. Sometimes scammers add skimming devices, so stay on the lookout.
- Use credit instead of debit. Sometimes it’s easier to refute fraudulent charges on a credit card than your debit card. Additionally, you might not need to enter a pin number if the company gets hacked.
- Freeze your credit. This may seem extreme. However, it won’t allow someone to open up accounts in your name without you knowing it. Plus, you probably don’t need to open up and lines of credit either.
Take these tips with you throughout the holiday season and beyond to avoid consumer debt and identity theft!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Sign up for a free credit counseling session today!
