Season’s “thievings”: ID fraud and holiday shopping

Increased opportunities for fraud artists

By

December 1, 2011

The busiest retail season of the year has already begun, and with an increase in financial transactions comes an increase in opportunities for fraud artists warn the Spruce Grove / Stony Plain RCMP. This year, keep your holiday shopping joyous by taking a few extra precautions.

Shopping in person

• Even though you will be rushed and thinking about a thousand things, try to remain alert to your surroundings.
• When paying with a credit or debit card, never lose sight of your card.
• Whenever possible, swipe your card yourself rather than giving it to the cashier.
• Always shield your PIN when entering it. Don’t be embarrassed – you’re not insulting anyone.
• Do not keep a written record of your bank PIN number(s) or your social insurance number in your wallet or hand bag.
• If you suspect anything unusual when using a point-of-sale terminal (pin pad) or an ATM, do not use the machine and report it immediately to the police or the financial institution.

Shopping online

• Shop only from your home computer and equip it with the latest web browser. Using your home computer is much safer than shopping at a terminal in an Internet café or library.
• If you plan to buy something, go directly to a store’s website by manually typing its address into your web browser. Don’t click on links in an e-mail message even if you know who sent it.
• Verify secure connections. When shopping online, do not enter any financial information if you see a broken-key or open padlock symbol on your Internet browser. This means the transaction is not secure and could be intercepted by a third party. When the key is complete or the padlock is locked, your browser is indicating a secure transaction.
• Consider using a reliable third-party payment company such as PayPal, a credit card with a low credit limit or a single-use payment card.
• Unlike secure order forms on a web site, e-mail messages are not private. Do not send confidential personal or financial information by e-mail.
• When browsing auction sites or unauthorized retail websites, be cautious of drastic sale prices on sought-after designer items and popular electronics. The legitimate goods are rarely discounted.
• Monitor your bank and credit card and statements online. Electronic statements allow you to review your purchases and payments as they happen rather than waiting until the end of the month to review your paper statement. Immediately report any discrepancies to your bank or to the company that issued the credit card.

Other tips

• Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery and do not leave pieces of mail lying around your residence or office.
• Shred or otherwise destroy pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, bills and any documents containing personal information when they’re no longer needed.
• Do not provide personal information such as your SIN, date of birth, credit card numbers, or PIN over the telephone or via e-mail. There are more secure methods for providing this valuable information when it is legitimately required.
• Avoid mail or telephone solicitations disguised as promotions. Criminals involved in this type of scam typically offer you an instant prize or an award for the purpose of obtaining personal information, such as your credit card numbers.

This holiday season, be a Scrooge with your personal information. If, despite your best efforts, you feel you’ve been victimized by a scam or a fraud, report it immediately to the police service of jurisdiction in your area.