Holiday Shopping Tips

More than ever before it is important to protect your identity from theft. Here are some tips to remember:

• Don't give out your account numbers, Social Security number, or PINS to anyone online or on the phone.
• Report lost or stolen checks, credit cards, ATM and Check cards.
• Examine all checks when they are first received to verify none have been stolen in the mail.
• On the Internet, buy only from companies you recognize and that have a secure ordering form that is protected by encryption technology.
• Never assume your communications on the Internet are private.
• If you notice a decrease in mail to anyone in your household -or you are not receiving anticipated financial statements, contact the post office and the creditor to verify your address. Account takeover scam artists will steal your mail, then usually change your mailing address to request a new credit, check, or ATM card.
• When on vacation, have the post office hold your mail until you return.
• Compliment businesses that hold your card and verify your signature-and confront those that do not. Visa and MasterCard require this procedure.

For more information, the Social Security Fraud Hotline is 800-269-0271 and the FTC Identity Theft Hotline is 877-IDTHEFT (438-4338). If you have been a victim of Internet fraud, you can report it at www.ifccfbi.gov. This is the site of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Fraud Complain Center.