Identity Theft Resolutions: 5 Commitments to Keep Your Data Safe This Year
VYBE
January 20, 2025
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The holiday season is a time for joy, family, and gift-giving—but unfortunately, it’s also a time when identity thieves thrive. At McCarty Law, we’ve seen how easily a festive season can turn into a financial nightmare if precautions aren’t taken. Here are our top tips for keeping your identity safe and secure during the holidays.
The convenience of online shopping is hard to beat, but it’s also where cybercriminals love to lurk. Stick to secure websites (look for “https” in the URL and the lock icon) and avoid clicking on email links from unfamiliar sources, even if they promise amazing deals. In-store, shield your PIN entry from prying eyes, and never leave personal belongings unattended.
Pro Tip: Use payment methods with strong buyer protection, like credit cards, instead of debit cards. Credit card companies are usually quicker to catch fraud and offer more robust dispute options.
From fake charity drives to fraudulent sweepstakes, scams ramp up during the holiday season. If you get an unexpected call, email, or message asking for personal information, think twice. Real organizations won’t pressure you to act immediately, and they won’t ask for sensitive details like Social Security numbers.
Remember: Legitimate charities accept secure payments without demanding personal information over the phone or through text. When in doubt, contact the organization directly through their official website.
During the holiday shopping season, small, unauthorized transactions can easily slip through the cracks. Make it a habit to check your bank and credit accounts regularly, even daily, if possible. The sooner you spot fraudulent activity, the faster you can act to contain it.
Quick Action Plan:
Avoid sharing too much on social media. While it’s fun to post about your holiday plans, announcing that you’ll be away from home could make you a target. Also, steer clear of those “fun” holiday quizzes or surveys on social platforms; some are crafted to collect your personal information.
Safe Practice: Before posting, ask yourself, “Does this give away too much?” And consider tightening your privacy settings on social platforms.
When out and about, free Wi-Fi can be tempting. But remember, public networks are usually not secure. Avoid accessing sensitive information, like your bank account, over these networks. If you absolutely must connect, use a VPN to add a layer of protection.
Stay Safe Tip: If it can wait until you’re on a secure network, let it. Especially with banking and shopping apps, you’re better safe than sorry.
With the rush of the season, we often forget about password security. But one simple password mistake could give a hacker direct access to your accounts. Use unique, strong passwords for each online account, and consider using a password manager if keeping track becomes overwhelming.
Bonus: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on accounts that offer it. It’s an extra step but an invaluable one in protecting your data.
Holidays are a prime time for identity thieves, but a few proactive steps can make all the difference. By staying vigilant, shopping smart, and protecting your information, you can keep your holidays merry and bright—without the added worry of identity theft.
If you do find yourself the victim of identity theft, know that McCarty Law is here to help. We have the expertise to resolve identity theft issues and protect your financial future. Reach out for a consultation, and let us take care of the rest.
