Unfortunately, fraud spikes during the holiday season as well, so it's important to be mindful of hazards.
Online Security
- Check your website passwords and change them if they are more than 6 months old or are not rated "strong" by the site's standards. Never use the same password for different sites.
- When shopping online, make sure the checkout page is secure before entering personal information and credit card numbers. There should be a padlock symbol in the browser bar with the URL, and the URL should begin with "https" (the "s" is for "secure").
- Beware of phishing and other email scams. Common scams include false package delivery notices, fake data breach alerts, and phony holiday ecard greetings.
Safe Shopping
- Be alert when checking out in stores. Thieves may take advantage of your being busy with packages to read your credit card numbers or steal your wallet.
- Beware of "skimmer" devices at ATMs and payment terminals. Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Be sure to put your card back in your wallet after each purchase.
Comprehensive fraud protection information is available on the Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Information site at. www.consumer.ftc.gov
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