Protecting Your Identity During Holiday Months

Identity thieves love the holidays as much as we do, so we need to keep our guard up against the odds of getting our identity stolen. Fraudsters and their many methods to steal identities are oftentimes out of control, but you can still do your part in protecting yourself from potential identity thieves.

Be Protective Of Your Credit Card Details

When you are using your credit or debit card to purchase something, your receipt must only contain the final four digits at the end of your card number. To protect your privacy, the first twelve digits are covered by X's. Privacy and anti-identity theft laws say that you should mark the first twelve numbers out if they aren't crossed out on the merchant's copy of the receipt.

Demand for, and review your credit card receipt when eating out. Like shown above, there are times when all 12 digits would be showing - never leave the restaurant's receipt lying around if that's the case. Ask the staff members to wait as you mark out the first 12 numbers on your card. Be very mindful because anybody could be an identity theft and you don't want a restaurant staff member getting away with all this important info.

Be Prudent In Using And Accessing Your Social Security Number

If you're not applying for a new card or bank account, it's best not to use your social security number for the meantime. There are still a few organizations and businesses who require your social security number to register an ID number on their system. This can still happen even today, despite the fact that it is discouraged by law. Always make sure to use your best judgment. You may feel edgy about giving out your SSN, so if you do, ask for alternate forms of ID.

Shred Your Sensitive Documents Before Disposing Of Them

This didn't use to be an important home appliance, so you may want to invest in a shredding machine. Identity thieves are a resourceful bunch, and they know that patience pays off when digging through other people's trash so they can have credit reported in someone else's name. If you need to dispose a piece of paper with personal info on it, shred it right away. Get a shredder for home and use it. And continue using your office shredder for the same purpose.

The holidays are supposed to be the perfect time to buy gifts for friends and family. But identity theft doesn't rest in the holidays - do your part in protecting yourself against these often victimless crimes.