Tip #1: Practice safe shopping in stores
Travel light by removing unnecessary items from your wallet or purse. Only bring along the credit cards, cash, and identification documents that you really need. Before you hit the stores, take an inventory of what you plan to bring along so you can make sure that everything is still in place when you return.
You’ll also want to limit the amount of cash you carry. While credit and debit cards can certainly be stolen, there is usually a limit to the amount of liability you’ll incur as long as you report it right away. But once cash is gone – it’s gone! Credit cards tend to provide additional protections versus debit cards, and debit cards access the funds in your bank account, so you might be out some cash for a while.
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Lastly, your vehicle is a major target for thieves. Keep this in mind when stowing credit cards, checkbooks, and other personal effects in your vehicle. It is probably best to leave them at home.
Tip #2: Practice safe shopping online
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Don’t use public computers to complete online purchases. Unsecured Wi-Fi at local coffee shops may present serious security issues, so make sure that you use either a publicly available (yet secure) network or just use your Internet at home. Thieves can quite easily steal your sensitive information from an unprotected Internet connection or a computer that is infected with malware.
You’ll also want to make sure that your personal computer is protected with security software that is reputable, effective, and up to date.
Check your debit or credit card transactions online to ensure that no unauthorized purchases were made over the Internet. By reporting any unusual activity quickly, you’ll limit your liability.
Tip #3: Think before mailing holiday cards
Many of us have begun the switch to E-cards for the holiday season. You’ll want to ensure that any that you receive are from a reputable company, as disreputable websites can load harmful malware onto your computer. Also, if you don’t recognize the sender, delete it.
When sending holiday cards via regular US Postal mail, make sure that you don’t mail from an unlocked mailbox if there is private or sensitive information inside. If you are sending a check to a family member, make sure to use dark, difficult-to-wash ink that helps combat check fraud.
Tip #4: Protect yourself and your guests at home for the holidays
Make sure that you lock up sensitive or personal information like credit cards, cash, or identification documents in a safe or locked cabinet any time you have guests over.
You may also want to establish a safe or secured area for guests to leave their purses or personal belongings in the house. Only one person should be assigned to retrieve these items.
Tip #5: Protect personal information while traveling
When staying in a hotel room, use the in-room safe or arrange for the secure lockup of your valuables in a secure area of the hotel.
Also, be cautious if you receive a phone call to your hotel room asking for any personal information. A popular pretexting, or social engineering call that is used by some criminals today is to call hotel guests and pretend to be a hotel employee.
Tip #6: Do not announce travel plans on social media websites
Don’t announce your departure or arrival dates related to your holiday travel plans. This is an open invitation for thieves to target your residence and steal your personal information, cash, jewelry, or anything of value. Share your adventures once you return!
Stay safe this holiday season with these tips from LegalShield! Contact us to learn how you can lock in this priceless protection for you and your family at a special rate this month only!
www.timothyj27.legalshieldassociate.com
Tim Hennington, 678-698-2080
