'Tis the Season for Financial Scams
From Thanksgiving to New Year's, people are busy with many varied activities, including shopping, parties, and crowded events. It's the time of year when people should be more aware than ever of what's happening around them, and yet sometimes we tend to forget the simplest security measures because we get caught up in the moment.
That's exactly what identity thieves and scammers are counting on this holiday season. They prey on people in all kinds of settings and situations, figuring that people are "in the spirit" and will pay less attention. Sometimes these thieves work alone, but many times they will work in teams so their victims don't know what hit them until it's too late.
Here are a few common identity theft and holiday scams of which to be aware:
- Shopping Cart Purse Snatching - Thieves will distract you with conversation so an accomplice can steal your purse. Thieves love to shop, especially for identification and holiday money tucked in a purse left unguarded. Close your purse and keep it on your person at all times.
- Shoulder Surfing - Identity thieves love crowded stores and hurried shoppers, especially those who are juggling large bags and multiple packages. It's a perfect time for shoulder surfers: those who purposely overhear your conversation with a store clerk or look over your shoulder for other personal information. Keep track of your packages and belongings and be sure to keep your personal information covered whenever paying for purchases or talking with a sales associate.
- Holiday Charity Fund - It's the time of year for people to give, so scammers seem to come out of the woodwork. They don't want you to know who they really are, so they pose as agents for police, fire departments, homeless shelters, etc. to get your personal information, credit card information or cash. Always check out any organization that solicits donations over the phone and confirm that it is a legitimate organization before giving them anything. Always offer to send a check rather than give them information over the phone and never give any personal information over the phone or on the internet unless you know it is a reliable source.
- Stolen Mail - During the holidays, many credit card companies and banks send convenience checks to their current customers. While this is not a bad practice in itself, thieves are on the look-out for such mailings so they can steal the checks and then cash them without your knowledge. If you do receive such a mailing and don't wish to use the checks, be sure to shred them before a thief can cash them. This holiday season, make an extra effort to minimize your risk of scams and identity theft by continually monitoring your credit card and bank statements.
This holiday season, give the gift of security. Remind your friends, family, and clients to take additional precautions to prevent them from becoming the victims of identity theft and financial scams.
