Holiday Spending: How to Keep Your Personal Information Safe

Holiday spending can be a wonderful time. We shop for our loved ones, friends, co-workers, and associates. Finding just the right gift and paying by credit card. Then, Ouch! Your credit card is declined. You know you haven't exceeded your credit limit, and the clerk can't tell you anything. How frustrating.

Now begins the trek to uncovering the reason for the error. Calling the credit card company results in the discovery that some else has been using your credit. How could this have happened?

We often become lax when we go shopping. And holiday time is a busy time for shoppers as well as retailers and thieves are prowling for the opportunity to take your information.

In busy stores, rushed sales clerks and crowded lines we can loose track of our credit card or easily give shoulder surfers the information they want. In the midst of all the distractions we become a victim of identity theft.

Take the time this year to protect your information. Pay closer attention to transactions and watch out for thieves causing distractions.

* Shoulder Surfers. Pay attention to people who are standing close in your space. If you are using a PIN pad at a store, guard your information. Block the other persons view with your body and your hand. If you are using an ATM, pay attention to anyone who is too close for comfort. Put your body between them and the ATM. If you haven't started your transaction, step aside and let the other person go first.

* Check the store's receipt. When the clerk hands you the charge card receipt for your signature, look at the copy you are signing-this is the copy the store will keep. Is your entire credit card number printed on it? If so, mark out all but the last five digits. If you leave the entire number on the receipt it is possible that a thief can copy the entire receipt, and on it is your full name, card number and signature. The store only needs the last 5 digits for reference, not the entire number.

* Sales Clerks on the Phone. When making your purchase, don't hand your credit card over to a clerk who is on the telephone. Your card information could be relayed to another person.

* Unorganized Sales Clerks. Sales clerks who seem overly rushed or unorganized could be using that to cover up the way they are copying your credit card information. Copying your card information by hand or by a skimmer. If the clerk seems too busy, wait until he/she is finished before handing over your credit card.

* Keep sight of your credit card. Don't let anyone walk away with your credit card. This is common in restaurants. The wait staff will take your payment and return with a receipt. What happens with your credit card while it is out of your sight? You'll never know. Pay with cash or accompany the wait staff to the register than hand over your card. Stay with your card until the transaction is completed.

* Watch for skimmers. Skimmers are used to record magnetic information. They can be hand held, attached to a belt or attached to an ATM or gas pump. When you use an ATM or gas pump, look for anything that looks like it's attached or not part of the original equipment. Attached skimmers will let you complete your transaction but will also copy your information for the thieves to use later.

* Writing a Check. If you write a check, the clerk may ask you for identification. This is normal. What is not normal is for the clerk to write down your identification or information. They should not write it down on your check, or anywhere else. They are only allowed to look at it to verify you are the person named on the check. Always remember the clerk cannot write it down, anywhere.

* Junk Mail & Pre-Approved Credit Offers. Holiday shopping is filled with flyers, advertisements, pre-approved credit and offers of increasing credit limits. Don't let these get into the hands of mail thieves. Pick up your mail daily. Shred anything that has your name on it, not just pre-approved offers.

* Watch for Statements. With more mail delivered during the holidays, you may not be aware that your bank or credit card statements did not arrive. Know when to expect them and watch for them. Check your charges with against your statement. Notify them as soon as you suspect unauthorized activity.

* Charitable donations. This time of year charities can be found everywhere. Make sure you know who you are donating to. Imposters may set up legitimate looking collection points. If you want to donate find out a local contact and make your donation directly. Don't make a donation by check or credit card if you are not familiar with the person or organization.

* Parties. Holiday parties can be fun. It can also be a means for people to have access to your personal information in your home or at the office. Unlocked file drawers, documents or statements lying out on a desk, and outgoing mail can be an easy source for a thief to pick up. With party activities going on around you, you may not even notice someone slip into your office to steal information.

Steps to guard our information should become second nature. It takes some getting used to because we have to change our thinking. Even though we want to trust people, we should be suspicious of everyone. Over 50% of reported identity thefts have been committed by someone the victim knew. Family, friends, co-workers, service people, sales clerks or associates could all be potential thieves if given the right circumstances.

The holidays can be happy and hectic. Don't let your guard down or provide thieves with easy access to your information. Keep your identity safe this holiday season.

Cindy Graham is author of the book, "Who Else is You?" In it, she outlines strategies on how to reduce the risk of becoming an identity theft victim. An expert who has studied current identity theft trends, Cindy understands the risks of business owners and consumers when it comes to the exposure of personal information. For more information on her speaking, consulting or book, please visit: http://www.whoelseisyou.com or call: 970-285-1581 or Cindy@EasyAs123.biz

---

Lets NOT Talk Turkey

The carving. The leftovers. The endless stuffing. Actually, you love... Read More

50 Ways to Acknowledge Your Employees Before and After Labor Day

For most people, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer,... Read More

Ultimate Army Themed Games & Activities for Your Childs Birthday Party

Are you looking for the Ultimate Army Themed Party Games... Read More

A Valentines Day Story

Valentine's Day...the day of love right? Many years ago, 22... Read More

Maybe This Christmas Will Be Different....

Have you always dreamed of a Norman Rockwell Christmas -... Read More

Top 5 Ways for an ADD Adult to Have a Happy Holiday

Holidays have the potential to send an adult with Attention... Read More

Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the... Read More

You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why

Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of... Read More

Five Inexpensive Ways to Help Your Children Invest in Holiday Memories

Christmas memories are never dependent on the amount of money... Read More

No Paws from Santa Claus

The Holidays are coming and children have thought long and... Read More

The Origins of Mothers Day

Most people mistakenly believe that Mother's Day is an invention... Read More

Why July 4th ?

On July 4th 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration... Read More

Traditional VS. Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people are familiar with the traditional materials list that... Read More

Outdoor Halloween Decorations

Few things are more thrilling for a trick-or-treater than walking... Read More

Tropical Christmas

I can recall from my days in England, watching television... Read More

Gifts: What Do You Give A Couch Potato?

So you know someone who likes to "veg out" in... Read More

Celebrate Parks Day, Everyday this Summer!

Canada's Parks Day falls on July 16'th this year. First... Read More

Preparing For the Holidays: Ho Ho Ho... or Bah Humbug!

Some of my clients dread the holiday season because it... Read More

Halloween & Hounds

Halloween is "fright night" for humans not dogs. Screaming, running,... Read More

Fun Halloween Party Themes and Ideas

Halloween is the day of the year that has the... Read More

Outside the Box Gingerbread Houses

Beyond trees and wreaths, there are few symbols of the... Read More

A Simple Little Holiday Plan

The Thanksgiving leftovers have all been eaten and the gift-buying... Read More

The History of Teddy Bears

Teddy bears have been around since 1902. The teddy bear... Read More

Is Labor Day Passe

In a word, yes !Labor Day, which started in 1882... Read More

Tis The Season For Love ? and Stress!

The holidays are upon us and for many people this... Read More

SALOME and HERODIAS, A Curious Mothers Day Story, Part 1 of 2 Parts

First, a disclaimer:This article requires information about John the Baptist,... Read More

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweek Pod Poinsettia Ornaments

Country Christmas Idea: Milkweed Pod Poinsettia OrnamentsAt first glance, milkweed... Read More

Vastu Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can... Read More

Tribute to Dad

Father's Day should not be the only day that we... Read More

10 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a day for remembering those who have... Read More

How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion

Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed... Read More

Giving Thanks

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few weeks... Read More

Stress-Free Holiday Entertaining

The holiday season is upon us! It is a time... Read More