Contact:  Media Coordinator - 858-693-7935 x101
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Ho, Ho, Holy @!*%, My Identity’s Been Stolen”
Holiday Consumer Alert

The Identity Theft Resource Center gets more calls about lost and stolen wallets between November and January than any other time of the year.  This is not really surprising when you consider that it is also the biggest shopping time of the year.  While the economy may be tight, gifts are still being purchased and people flock to the malls for sales and “must have” items.  Crowds and distracted shoppers are ripe for identity theft and stolen credit cards.  ITRC would like to make the following suggestions to make sure that thieves don’t have a shopping spree with your credit.

• Social Security Numbers:  Leave your Social Security card at home.  With that number, thieves can open up credit cards in your name without your knowledge.

• Purse snatching and pickpockets:  Make it difficult for a thief to access your information. Only carry the credit cards you need for that day.  Unzipped purses, backpacks or open bags are open invitations to pickpockets.  If carrying a purse, loop the strap over your shoulder and have the clasp-side of the purse against the FRONT of your body.  A fanny pack, while not a fashion statement, is a safer way to carry a wallet.

• Debit cards:  Debit cards are not credit cards,  rather they are a direct link to your bank account and electronically transfer money immediately to the merchant.  If you want to use debit cards, link them to a bank account with a small amount of money in it, and not to your only bank account.  If the card has a VISA or Mastercard logo on it the thief can use it without a PIN.  If stolen, it could be difficult to prove you didn’t make the purchase when you were in the same mall that day.

• Check writing:  ITRC recommends that you leave checks at home and only use them to pay bills.  Write checks with a gel pen with specially formulated ink that absorbs into the paper fibers or one with non-erasable ink.  This makes it harder for a thief to alter the check.  Finally, take the bill to the post office to mail.   Don’t put it on the “come and pick me up” clip on your unlocked mailbox.  You never know who “picked up your mail” that day.

• Mailing bills:  Every year we see post office boxes filled to overflowing with outgoing mail.  We recommend that you mail envelopes containing checks or sensitive information inside the post office before the last pickup of the day.  During the holidays, make sure that the post office box is sufficiently empty so that that your mail doesn’t sit within easy reach of someone’s grasping hands. 

• Shoulder surfing:  Shoppers often open new credit cards to cover large holiday purchases.  This makes it a perfect time for shoulder surfers to “borrow” sensitive information.  Take a few extra moments to protect credit cards, driver’s licenses and checks from wandering eyes.  Instead of verbally sharing requested sensitive information, write it down on a slip of paper for the clerk, and take that slip of paper home with you for shredding.  And don’t forget that while you sit waiting for a plane or walk down the street, anyone can hear your cell phone conversation.  Don’t share your credit card numbers or Social Security Number in an open, public environment.

• Credit Card Skimming:  Credit card skimming occurs when someone slides your credit card through a second machine that scans the information from the magnetic strip and stores it until it is downloaded onto a counterfeit card.  Remember, “Out of sight is out of control.”  Keep your eyes on your cards at all times.  Don’t let a clerk or accomplice distract you from the transaction.

• Information protection:  Lock up any documents with financial, credit or Social Security information on them BEFORE allowing guests into your home for that holiday party. 

• Online Shopping:  Keep a printout of the web page(s) describing the item you ordered, any email messages, and the page that shows the seller’s name, address, telephone number and return policies should you have any problems.  For online purposes, it is not necessary to provide a Social Security Number.  A credit card number is preferred for on-line purchases.  Make sure the company is on a secure server with “https” and a locked padlock.  For more information please go to the ITRC website: http://www.idtheftcenter.org/artman2/publish/m_press/Safe_On-Line_Shopping_Tips.shtml

• Car theft issues:  Every year there are multiple stories of car break-ins around the holiday season. If you stop to shop after work, don’t leave your laptop, purse, or any item with credit cards, checks, a driver’s license or Social Security Numbers visible in your car.  It’s an invitation to steal.  Using the trunk as a storage place for gifts, your purse or your laptop is not always secure.  Too many thieves may be watching, especially around mall parking lots.

With some additional awareness, the holiday season doesn’t have to be an open door to identity thieves.  While you cannot completely prevent yourself from becoming a victim, the tips above should help you from becoming an easy target.

Consumers, who have additional questions, or victims of identity theft, can contact the ITRC at 858-693-7935.  There is no charge for our assistance.

About the ITRC
The Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity theft. It is the on-going mission of the ITRC to assist victims, educate consumers, research identity theft and increase public and corporate awareness about this problem.  Visit www.idtheftcenter.org