It's a very NextAdvisor holiday season!

Posted by Caitlin on December 10th, 2008

If you're making a list and checking it twice, trying to find something nice for your loved ones this holiday season, keep in mind that the annual shopping frenzy, both in stores and online, creates plenty of opportunities for identity thieves to gather sensitive personal data. And since you're most likely shopping more than usual, it might take longer for you to notice suspicious items on your bank and credit card statements.

Last December, we posted a series of tips to help protect yourself from identity theft during the holiday season. This advice bears repeating, especially since identity theft has only become more prevalent over the past year.

• Protect your credit cards and personal documents. When shopping, only carry the credit card or cards that you need. Take extra cards, as well as your Social Security card, birth certificate and passport out of your wallet or purse and leave them at home.
• Keep your receipts, and use them to check the accuracy of your statement before paying your credit card bill.
• Before making purchases online, be sure that your computer is fully protected with Internet security software. Make sure that software is updated regularly. And check for the lock icon on the website's browser status bar, indicating that the site is secure and safe for financial transactions. To learn more about Internet security software, see our reviews and comparison chart.
• Give cash or gift cards, not checks. If you do write a check, make sure it does not have your Social Security number on it.
• Strengthen your passwords. Passwords with at least 8 characters, including a combination of letters, numbers and, ideally, symbols, are the most difficult for hackers to crack.
• A cross-cut shredder is an excellent defense against identity theft, and would make a great gift, too!

Of course, if you're concerned about identity theft, consider an identity theft protection service. Given the current economic climate, it makes sense to look for more practical gifts than usual for your friends and family. And what could be more practical than identity theft protection or perhaps an online backup service? Online DVD rental services are more popular than ever, now that many of us are spending more time at home, which makes that another great gift option.

NextAdvisor.com wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!