December is National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month
- Shop Smart Online During Holiday Sales
The holidays bring irresistible deals—but also fake websites and scams. Stick to retailers you know and trust. If you’re browsing for last-minute gifts, avoid clicking on flashy ads or links in social media posts, as they could lead to phishing sites. Take the extra step of typing the retailer’s URL directly into your browser instead of clicking a link.
- Beware of Public Wi-Fi While Shopping
Holiday shopping often means hopping from store to store—or finding a coffee shop to recharge. But using public Wi-Fi for online shopping or logging into your bank account is risky. Public networks are vulnerable to hackers who can intercept your information. If you must connect, use a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your data safe.
- Be Careful with Holiday Charity Donations
The holidays inspire generosity, and scammers know it. If you’re donating to a cause, ensure it’s through a legitimate organization. Avoid making donations via phone calls or street solicitations unless you’re certain of the source. Research charities through trusted sites like Charity Navigator before giving.
- Check Your Receipts and Bank Statements
The chaos of the season means your spending can get out of control—or at least harder to track. Identity thieves count on that! Make it a habit to check your receipts and bank statements regularly, especially after a busy day of shopping. Small, unauthorized charges can be an early warning sign of fraud.
- Watch for Package Theft
Holiday deliveries mean packages galore, which can be a goldmine for identity thieves if those packages contain sensitive information or gift cards. Use secure delivery options, like requiring a signature or having items delivered to a secure locker or your workplace.
- Avoid Oversharing Holiday Cheer Online
Posting about your big holiday purchases, vacation plans, or new gifts on social media can attract the wrong kind of attention. Thieves could use this information to guess passwords, plan thefts, or even launch scams in your name. Keep the details of your holiday celebrations private.
The holidays should be a time for joy—not the stress of recovering from identity theft. By staying mindful of these holiday-specific risks and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and focus on what really matters: making memories with the people you care about most.
