Throughout the holiday season, many of us will purchase gifts and travel to visit with friends and family. Whether you are shopping online or in-store, traveling by plane or train, it’s important to protect your personal information and valuables during this busy time of year.
In the spirit of giving, below are a few tips to help guide you toward a safe holiday season.
- Phishing
Be on the lookout for suspicious emails, which could be “phishing.” Hackers often send phishing emails with fraudulent links in hopes of getting you to click and enter your credentials. For instance, if you appear to receive an email from your bank containing a link, do not click on the link. Instead, go directly to the bank’s website and log into your account.
- Bank Statements
Check credit card and bank statements often throughout the holiday season to ensure all your charges are accurate.
- Travel Tips
Whether you’re traveling by plane or train, keep track of your belongings including purses, wallets, laptops, tablets and cell phones (don’t forget to check the back pocket of your seat before departing!) To keep tabs on your items at security, place your laptop and valuables on the conveyor last. This allows you to watch your items as they pass through the security scanner, making sure no one else claims them.
- Package Deliveries
Recently there have been reports of thefts following delivery trucks and stealing packages from doorsteps. To help protect against theft, keep track of the delivery dates for all of your online purchases and try to retrieve them as soon as possible.
We wish you have a safe and enjoyable holiday!
