Identification Theft Protection During the Holidays

Holiday shopping should be an absolute pleasure. There are so many fun things to think about while out shopping for a favorite relative or friend. We're busy thinking about the smiles we'll receive after giving a perfect gift or the cookies we'll be eating at festive parties. It's a shame to have to think about anything but candy canes and snowflakes during the holiday season but it's important that we keep our wits about us. Identity theft and holiday shopping go hand in hand.

The holiday season doesn't just bring out would be Santa and elves. It is also a season that brings out many criminals that prey upon unsuspecting victims. So many people are out carrying packages and being distracted by the bright lights and crowds that it makes for a feast for unscrupulous characters. Christmas shopping ID Theft happens in just about every city in the country.

It's important to be alert and aware when out shopping this holiday season. It's equally important to be just as aware when you're out returning gifts after the holiday. The day after Christmas is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It's just as crowded right after the holidays as it is before them, so staying alert while making returns is equally important. Here are a few tips to help you prevent identity theft this season.

Keep Yourself Clutter Free When Shopping :
If you normally carry a large purse, make a point to clean it out before you leave to go shopping. Also organize all of your packages and receipts before ever leaving your house. It's while we're digging through purses or looking for lost receipts that we're distracted and vulnerable to holiday identification theft. Plan ahead and take the time to keep yourself clutter free and distraction free.

Take Only Necessary ID and Credit Cards :
Many people are guilty of walking around with ten or more credit cards along with their drivers license and even social security card. It's crazy to carry so much if you don't need to. Take two minutes before leaving your house to think about what cards you'll really need and take only them. If you would happen to lose your wallet, at least the damage would be kept to a minimum. Identity theft can make holiday shopping a disaster. Be sure to keep as few credit cards as you possibly can on you.

Look Over Your Shoulder :
While this sounds simple and maybe even silly, it's a very practical way to protect yourself from identity theft. Every time you use a credit or debit card, look over your shoulder first. If someone is standing so closely behind you that it's uncomfortable, ask them to step back. It's very easy to do. Simply say, " Excuse me please, would you mind stepping back just a bit ? " . This simple measure can be the most effective tool you have in preventing identity theft. If no one can see your card or id, you've won most of the battle.

Shop in Familiar Places :
It's far less likely that someone would get away with using your name or cards if the store owner recognizes you or your name. It's for this reason that it's very wise to shop in places that you're familiar with. It's also smart because you won't be distracted or lost as you shop. You can easily put yourself at far less risk for holiday shopping Id Theft if you just shop locally in stores you know.

Never Verbalize Your Social Security Number :
Criminals are amazing. Some of them have incredible memories and if you speak your social security number out loud, you risk someone memorizing it along with your name. By simply following you out to your car and getting your plate number, a criminal would have all they needed to easily steal your identity. If you find yourself in a situation of needing to use your social security number to verify a shopping credit card, write the number on a piece of paper. After the clerk uses the number to get your card, be sure to get that piece of paper back. Keeping things like your ID and credit cards guarded is a simple yet practical way to keep yourself from being a victim of holiday identification theft.

All these tips are very simple. If you use all these tips while out shopping, hopefully you'll be passed over as a possible victim for identity theft. As I stated before, it's equally important to remember to be careful while out making gift returns. Anytime you're out shopping and using credit cards or ID, you need to be alert and careful. With just a little planning ahead and by staying aware of your surroundings, you need not become a statistic for holiday identification theft.