HOLIDAY TIPS FROM IDSHIELD: Avoid Identify Theft When Shopping Online
Winter can be a great time to take advantage of online shopping sales, but a digital shopping spree can also make your personal and financial information more accessible to identity thieves putting you at high risk of becoming an identity theft victim.

Before you fill up a virtual shopping cart from your computer, smartphone, or tablet, consider these seven online shopping habits ID thieves target that could make you vulnerable to identity theft:

1. Buying from unknown or unfamiliar sellers. When possible, shop with reputable online merchants with positive transaction ratings.

2. Providing payment through an un-secure connection. To ensure that an online merchant has a secure connection, look for the image of a lock in your browser window, an address that starts with "https" (instead of just http), the wording "Secure Sockets Layer" (SSL), or a pop-up box that says you are entering a secure portion of the website.

3. Paying with a debit card, check, or cashier's check. A credit card is the most secure form of payment for online purchases because you have more protection if the merchant fails to deliver the item as promised.

4. Using multiple credit cards for online purchases. Pick one credit card for all of your online shopping so it's easier to monitor charges and spot errors or identity theft red flags.

5. Storing your credit card information out of convenience. Instead of storing your credit card information with online vendors, simply type your card number in manually for every transaction.

6. Using passwords that are easy to hack. Create strong passwords that include upper and lower case numbers, symbols, and punctuation marks, and update them regularly to help prevent hacking.

7. Responding slowly to a fraudulent charge. If you spot a charge that isn't yours, contact your credit card company immediately – even if the charge is for a small amount.

By avoiding habits that put you at risk while shopping online, you can help protect yourself against identity theft.
Also be sure to enhance your protection with IDShield – available to Members of the Association of Old Crows. We invite you to enhance your coverage right now at www.legalshield.com/info/oldcrows

The IDShield can address all types of identity theft and provides unlimited consultation and full identity restoration in which the bulk of the restoration work is lifted from the member.

Customer Care starts with Louise Yale, our LegalShield representative.
Call her at 703-622-7972, anytime, or email LSYale@legalshieldassociate.com