As you wrap up shopping at crowded stores this week, here are some reminders of the common tactics thieves use to steal your credit and personal information while shopping.
If someone asks you a question, bumps into, or otherwise involves you in some distraction, make it a habit to immediately place your hands on your purse or wallet, as developing this habit will come in handy if you are targeted by a pickpocket.
Try to bring only the credit cards you will be using to make a purchase, that way, if your purse is stolen or your pockets picked, you've limited your exposure. Never place your wallet or card on the counter while checking out; it's the perfect opportunity for a nimble thief to grab it without you even noticing.
You must surrender your credit or debit card to an absolute stranger in order to make a purchase. We act in good faith that the cashier will ring up our purchase accurately and return our card to us without incident. Watch the cashier as they swipe your card this holiday season and be aware of a fraud that's been perpetrated for years: ID theft at the register. Some cashiers have been known to write down customer credit card numbers for later use, or, in a patently brazen move, bringing in their own card machine and swipe your credit card information into it after swiping it for your legitimate purpose. The result is that the criminal now has the card number and any security codes on the card, and can quickly clone it for fraudulent use. This can be devastating if a debit card is cloned, as a bank account can be wiped out in a matter of minutes.
Sometimes ID theft starts as simply as someone taking a peek over your shoulder when you're making a purchase. This holiday season, when you're standing in line waiting to be checked out, you should guard your credit card, driver's license and 2 other important pieces of ID like a poker player guards his cards in Las Vegas. Holding your card in your hand while waiting to pay makes it easy enough for those around you to see and record your number - either mentally or with a discrete cell phone camera.
And speaking of cameras, who's watching the security footage for the store you're in? Since you don't know, don't make it easy for cameras to take a close up of your card. Although these tips are generally given with regard to ATM transactions, they are just as important to consider in bustling stores this holiday season.
Try to avoid the temptation to fill out an in-store credit card application. During the holidays, stores will often entice shoppers to open a store charge card account by offering on-the-spot discounts or coupons for future visits. As attractive as this may be, consider the risks involved with seeking credit approval during the busy shopping season. Do you trust that the harried clerk or cashier will take proper care with the form you just filled out, which lists everything from your address to your social security number?
Remember these tips to avoid identity theft while shopping, and have a safe and happy holiday season!
*Courtesy of Debix Identity Protection-Austin, Texas