Careless shopping can be a ticket to identity theft. Here are some key tips from the experts on staying protected in the hustle and bustle of seasonal shopping. Experian’s ProtectMyID has great tips. For example: 1.) Never shop on a public wi-fi connection. Although you may trust the baristas at your local coffee shop, you can’t always trust the person sitting next to you. Hackers can easily tap into Wi-Fi connections at public hot spots to steal your identity and credit card information. 2.) Look for signs that the site you are shopping on is protecting your data. On the web page where you enter your credit card or other personal information, look for an “s” after http in the Web address of that page and a secured padlock. Encryption is a security measure that scrambles data as it travels through the Internet. 3.) Streamline your wallet. Leave anything you don’t need, such as your Social Security card and excess credit cards at home. 4.)When paying with a credit card, never let the clerk take the card out of your sight. The swipe should take place in clear view. For more tips, check their website, above.
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