Three Tips to Make Your Store Shopping Safer

November 24, 2009 – 11:51 am

blackfriday The shopping day of the year is quickly approaching. Everywhere you look people are researching deals, checking credit card balances and getting in shape for the traditional line standing and sprint event we call Black Friday.

Even if you’re not into extreme sport events like pre-dawn Black Friday shopping, there’s still a very high chance you’ll be stepping foot into a store before the holiday season to scoop up some gifts for your loved ones (or business acquaintances). Here are three ways to make your in-store shopping experience a safer one.

Make sure your purse or wallet is secure.
It seems like a simple tip, but a lot of people get lazy with their valuables this time of year. While waiting in line it’s easy to set down your purse or not pay attention to where your wallet is. Make sure it is always on your person — for women, strapped to your shoulder or cradled in front of you; for men, make sure it’s in a pocket not easily accessible if bumped into.
Don’t throw away your receipts.
Many people are careless with their receipts. Luckily some save them in case the gifts need to be taken back. However, you should practice this habit year-round. Receipts contain a tremendous amount of data that ID thieves can use to rip you off. When you do dispose of your receipts, make sure you shred them or add them as kindling to your fire.
Pay in cash or credit card rather than checking account or debit card.
If thieves obtain your debit card information, not only can they use your card’s information, but they can tap into your banking account. With credit cards, they can make fraudulent charges but it doesn’t fall on you to pay them back if you provide proof you didn’t make the charges. Still, nothing beat old, dependable cash when it comes to ID theft prevention. There’s no personal data outside of dead Presidents to be found.

Use these tips to help prevent identity theft this holiday season and ensure you have a happy new year.

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