Ten Smart Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft while Shopping

Here are ten smart ways to protect yourself from identity theft during the holiday shopping season.

1. Never carry your social security card with you unless you need it for a specific purpose. Carry your checkbook and credit cards only when you need them.

2. Keep your credit cards in site during in-person transactions to prevent “skimming.” This crime occurs when employees run your card through a separate device to steal its information.

3. When entering your pin number at an ATM, stand close and block the keyboard with your body so that others can’t see your pin code.

4. When shopping online, be sure to use only secure (password protected) networks. Never shop on public computers (such as those in libraries or classrooms).

5. Do not save credit card information on any online shopping websites. Even companies you trust can be victims of security breaches.

6. Beware of “phishing” scams. Thieves know that during the holidays, many people are distracted, making it easier to trick you into sharing private information online. Stay alert, and never provide any personal information via email. No reputable company will ask for information in this manner, including Platte Valley Bank.

7. Keep mobile devices like smartphones and tablets locked with passwords, and do not store confidential information on them.

8. Don’t leave package deliveries unattended. Thieves not only can steal the merchandise you ordered, but sometimes your personal information as well. If you can’t bring a package inside when it’s delivered, check with a friend or neighbor, or arrange to pick up the package from the delivery service office.

9. Look over all bank statements, credit card statements and other bills carefully as soon as they arrive to make sure no unauthorized charges appear. If they do, notify the bank and/or biller immediately.

10. Activate your credit file monitoring service with IDProtect and check your credit reports to monitor them for unauthorized activity such as collection notices on accounts you have not used or new accounts that you did not open.