5 days until Christmas: Safe shopping tips

Here are some quick tips that are good all year long for protecting your identity while shopping.

ONLINE SHOPPING

  1. Make sure you have a secure connection before sending private information (https not http on the address bar)
  2. Use a credit card instead of a debit card for better protection.
  3. Print out receipts so you have a back up copy in case of computer problems.

OFFLINE SHOPPING

  1. Only keep essential information in your wallet/purse.
  2. Never leave your purse hanging over the back of a chair.
  3. Make sure the ATM has not be tampered with before using it. 
  4. Use a credit card instead of a debit card for better protection.
  5. Keep your receipts.

Now matter how you shop be wary of unknown charges on your cards, notices for credit you didn’t apply for, packages arrive that you did not order, or change of address notices. These are all signs of identity theft.

Please visit www.hvshred.com for more information.

Best wishes from your friends at HV Shred for a happy, healthy holiday!

by hvshred