The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it can also be peak season for cybercriminals and identity thieves. With online shopping, holiday travels, and increased sharing of personal information, the risk of identity theft can rise dramatically this time of year. Follow these tips to help keep your identity safe and, in turn keep your holiday season stress-free.
1. Safeguard Your Personal information
Whether you’re shopping in-store or online or traveling to visit friends and family this holiday season, limit the information that you share. Avoid oversharing and only provide the details necessary for a purchase or transaction. Shred any sensitive documents, since discarded holiday offers, receipts, and financial statements can be goldmines for thieves. Finally, stay vigilant of potential phishing scams. Ignore unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal details for payment information.
2. Strengthen Your Digital Security
Cybercriminals ramp up their activities during the holidays. Keep your accounts secure and help protect your personal information by enhancing the security of your accounts and your devices. You can stay secure by keeping software up to date. Regular updates help patch vulnerabilities in your devices and the applications that you use. Additionally, when you enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your account by validating your identity through more than one authentication method. And remember to use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
3. Watch Out for Holiday Scams
While the season inspires generosity, it’s also exploited by scammers. Before you donate, take time to verify the charity’s legitimacy. Trusted sites like Charity Navigator and Give.org can help you identify and evaluate charity ratings and donor resources. Avoid donating through email or social media links and go directly to the charity’s official website.
4. Secure Your Mail & Travel Plans
During the holidays, your mail and travel habits can expose you to risks. Hold your mail if you are traveling or ask a trusted neighbor to collect it. Beware of package theft, too. If you are unavailable to bring deliveries inside right away, consider using secure delivery options or pick-up lockers to keep your parcels safe. Additionally, if you’re traveling over the holidays, be mindful about what you share. Advertising your absence or accidentally revealing sensitive data in photos, such as full name and date of birth, could increase your risk of identity theft and fraud.
At SESLOC Credit Union, your security is our top priority. By following these tips during the holidays and throughout the year, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Stay vigilant and proactive in looking after your personal and financial information.
If you suspect identity theft for any reason, contact us. With your HomeFREE CheckingTM account1, you have access to a professional, certified Identity Theft Recovery Advocate2 who is ready to work with you one-on-one to identify and remediate any suspected or confirmed identity theft.
Let us know if you found these tips helpful or have any additional suggestions to share. Stay safe and happy holidays!
