Industry News
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| | Holidays bring out shoppers, ID theft Online risks a concern
Holidays bring out shoppers, ID theft
Online risks a concern
By Doug Schneider
Press & Sun-Bulletin
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'Tis the season to beware of identity theft.
With consumers expected to hike seasonal online spending by 20 percent -- to $33 billion -- this year, according to the Forrester Research firm, those worries are growing particularly strong among folks who plan to use the Internet to buy holiday gifts. A Better Business Bureau survey out this month shows that three in five online shoppers worry that their personal information will be sold or re-used.
"It's the Internet," Broome County Undersheriff Gary O'Neill replied when asked where people are most worried about falling victim to ID theft. "The most important thing for (online shoppers) to remember is to shop on secure sites."
A year ago, American shoppers forked over debit cards, credit cards and cash to the tune of $457 million at stores on the day after Thanksgiving alone, according to the BBB. On "Cyber Monday" -- the newly named online-shopping day that falls four days after the turkey kicks in -- $608 million was spent online, the BBB said.
With all those credit cards flying around, and all that data in cyberspace, how can you protect yourself against someone who'd like to use your personal information to finance a shopping spree, facilitate a drug-selling operation, or maybe set up a whole new identity -- one that could ruin your credit and maybe more?
The U.S. Justice Department offers ways to avoid becoming one in every 30 Americans victimized this year by identity theft.
At home
* Adopt a "need-to-know" approach to your personal data. Your credit card company may need to know your mother's maiden name to verify your identity when you call to inquire about your account. A person who calls you and says he's from your bank doesn't.
Also, the more information that is printed on your personal bank checks -- such as your Social Security number or telephone number -- the more personal data you are routinely handing out to people who may steal it.
* If someone you don't know calls and offers you the chance to receive a "major" credit card or other valuable item, but asks you for personal data -- such as your Social Security number, credit card number or expiration date, or mother's maiden name -- ask them to send you a written application form.
If they won't, hang up. If they will, review the application carefully and make sure it's going to a company or financial institution that's well known and reputable. The BBB can tell you about businesses that have prompted complaints.
* Check your financial information regularly for what should be there and what shouldn't.
When traveling
* Have your mail held at your local post office, or ask someone you know well and trust to collect and hold your mail while you're away.
* If you have to telephone someone and need to pass on personal financial information, don't do it at an open telephone booth where passers-by can listen in on what you're saying; use a telephone booth where you can close the door, or wait until you're at a less public location. | |
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