Friday, December 8, 2023
Whether you’re nearly done shopping or are waiting until the last minute, it’s vital that you protect your personal information, wallet and bank account while shopping at stores or online.
“That perfect present you picked out for a loved one may end up costing you dearly if you aren’t careful” says Comptroller Susana Mendoza. “We are urging the public to keep these safety tips in mind to avoid scams, identity theft and fraud.”
- Use secure networks. Public Wi-Fi may not always be secure, so it is best to use a private network when shopping online. Also, only use URLs that begin with “HTTPS,” rather than “HTTP,” to ensure better protection. That extra “S” means the site has an additional layer of authentication and security.
- Use secure forms of payment. Federal law limits consumer liabilities when using a credit card compared to debit cards. That means you have stronger fraud protection and a better chance of getting your money back if you lose your credit card or it’s stolen, or if someone gets ahold of your credit card number. It’s also easier to trace credit card transactions online.
- Don’t store credit card numbers online. While it may be a hassle to input your numbers each time, it will lessen the chances of fraud. Definitely avoid storing your CVV (the three numbers on the back of your card) with a web browser or online retailer.
- Be wary of package delivery messages. This may include random text messages and emails that alert you of delivery updates. Scammers will include a link in those messages that will most likely infect your device. Instead, visit the shipper’s website to verify any changes to your order.
- Never give personal information. Do not provide personal information to a company unless you initiated the contact.
If you have been a victim of identity theft, you can file a report with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office or the Federal Trade Commission and/or apply for fraud protection from one of the three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax or Transunion.
Comptroller Mendoza adds, “Wherever you do your shopping, just remember to think twice before making a big purchase, don’t fall for deals that seem too good to be true, and double check that websites are indeed legitimate.” ??
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