State Atty General's office is out with some tips.
If you're doing some holiday shopping this weekend, there are some things that you can do to ensure you protect your identity.
The Florida Attorney General's office is out with a list of tips to help you. They say identity thieves are out this time of year, since shoppers will be busy and preoccupied.
1) Don't hold your credit card out for everyone to see. Remember, every cell phone is a camera these days and all it takes is a snap for someone to steal that credit card number and name.
2) Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet, because if your wallet gets stolen in a busy mall or discount store, it won't take much for thieves to steal your identity.
3) Shopping online? Use sites that start with "https", because those are the most secure sites and better protected. That according to spokesman John Lucas with the Florida Atty General's office.
Here are some more tips:
· order and closely review copies of credit reports from each national credit reporting agency once a year
· empty wallets of extra credit cards and identification cards, and close all unused credit card or bank accounts;
· shred pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills, and other financial information before discarding them;
· use a credit card or a secured online payment system, such as PayPal, when making a purchase online;
· update anti-virus software on computers to avoid downloading malware from poorly protected sites;
· ask when your order will be shipped and when it will arrive;
· know the return and refund policies; and
· save copies of receipts, warranties, and service agreements
Click Here for more information about protecting your identity this holiday season.
