The holidays are quickly approaching. While most people find joy in shopping, there are people who find even greater joy in you shopping. They find great joy in you shopping because they want to steal your information.
As you shop for the latest and greatest that the shopping world has to offer, you need to know of the identity risks while shopping.
Keep in mind that these tips are mostly for online shopping. Although, some of these tips could be applied to shopping inside of stores! Here are some of the identity risks you take while shopping.
(1) Handing your card over
When you’re out and about, you want to think the best of everyone out there. Unfortunately, there are a lot of identity risks in shopping.
If you can help it, try not to hand over your credit card to someone else. Keep your credit card in your hand as much as you can! The more you hand it out, the greater chance you take in getting your information stolen.
(2) Someone swiping your credit card information
The more you use one credit card, the more opportunity it is for that number to become a victim to thieves. It’s best to use different card numbers when you shop. Some say to use one credit card for online shopping and one for traditional in store shopping.
(3) Losing your personal information
Carrying items like your ID, cash, and credit card are always an identity risk. When you’re shopping, make sure you pay extra attention to what you’re doing with your personal property.
It’s so easy for someone to take a picture of your credit card information. They can also quickly write down your credit card information.
(4) A thief digging in the trash for your personal info
Did you know that there are people who will dig in the trash after you throw something away? When you’re out shopping, make sure you aren’t throwing personal information away in the trash.
All it takes is for one thief to steal your information. It can take hours, months, or years to regain your financial security back.
(5) Being scammed, especially when you’re not expecting it
When you’re out shopping, you may not think that scammers are out there looking for your information, but they are. There are people out there who want to walk up to you and get you to buy things you don’t want.
They will try to sell you items that aren’t worth the price that you’re asking. They can get your information and easily steal your identity. Always keep an eye out for those who could be potentially scamming you, as you shop.
Just as you should know the identity risks you take while shopping, there are also some precautions you should take while shopping.
Precautions to Take While Shopping
While there is always a small risk that your information can be stolen. It’s important to realize that there are precautions you can take! These precautions can help make your life a lot easier. Here are some precautions to take while shopping.
Always look at your receipt
Theft can look different than you imagined. Sometimes you can be charged more than what you were supposed to be. Always look at your receipt, spend the time making sure everything matches. That way, if you are charged more, you have your receipt and what you purchased.
Keep an eye on your credit report
If someone has tried to steal your identity while shopping, you will know within a week or so. If they have stolen your info, you may get some kind of proof on your credit report.
However, if or when you find out your info was stolen, you could EASILY put an end to it. Most companies are understanding if your information finds itself in the wrong hands. They will work with you to clear your name.
Always keep an eye on your financial information. You should routinely look over your information. Especially after you’ve done a big shopping trip. You can even sign up to get credit alerts, so you will get a notification sent right to your email.
Always be stingy about your personal information
Some people are SO QUICK to give out their personal information. Don’t ever give out your personal information, unless you can confirm the company is legit. Remember that once someone gets their hands on your information, it’s HARD to get it back.
From this source, you can get more information on what to do if someone has stolen your information. If this does happen to you, don’t be too hard on yourself. Scammers and thieves will do whatever they can to steal your information. Shopping is the perfect opportunity to steal info, so keep this in mind as you shop during the holidays and beyond.
Have you ever had your information stolen? What have you done in the past to protect your investments?