Shop safely this holiday season

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December 18th, 2007 - Posted by Joe

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and hectic pace of the holiday season, but it is important to remember that identity thieves don't take a vacation! In fact, holiday shoppers can make especially ripe targets for id theft given the shear volume of purchases and transfer of sensitive personal data that takes place during this time.

Identity theft prevention service ID Secure has just released a handful of simple but effective tips for shoppers that can help keep you from being victimized this holiday season. What we particularly like about these tips is that address ways to safely shop both at your favorite department store as well as when you are filling your virtual shopping carts on the web.

1. Shop smart… When shopping, limit the credit cards you carry and don't take extras. Leave your Social Security card, birth certificate and passport at home.

2. Keep receipts… For post-holiday statements, be sure to examine every charge on your statement before paying. Your receipts provide a great cross-reference check and guard against suspicious activity.

3. Protect computer prior to online shopping… Make sure your security patch and antivirus software is updated regularly. Consider purchasing technology that protects against potential viruses that threaten your identity. Always check for the lock icon on the website's browser status bar, which signals a secure site that is safe for transactions.

4. Don't write a check… When considering the gift of money, give cash or a gift card. If you write a check, make sure that your Social Security number is NOT on the check.

5. Give the gift of safety… Buy a cross-cut shredder — a great line of defense for would-be ID thieves — for that special someone on your list. It is smart to purchase one to protect yourself, too.

6. Strengthen passwords… Create passwords that will not be easily cracked by hackers. Use strong passwords with at least eight characters, including a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for predators to pounce upon.

ID Secure will be releasing another handful of identity theft prevention tips between now and December 24, which we will post here as a service to readers of the NextAdvisor Daily.

If you are interested in learning more about identity theft prevention services you can check out our in-depth reviews of several providers or if you have specific questions about identity theft prevention you can read our FAQ for more information.