Safe Internet Shopping

With the busy holiday season upon us, many will rely on the Internet to save time selecting and purchasing holiday gifts. But while the Internet is a terrific way to avoid crowds, compare prices and shop from the comfort of our own homes, it is important to remember that it can also harbor hidden dangers any time we use credit cards or divulge personal information. Identity theft -- when someone uses your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other information to commit fraud or theft -- is the fastest growing crime in the United States. Every 79 seconds another American becomes a victim of this damaging criminal offense. Once a thief has your information, he or she can destroy your credit rating and your good name by taking out fraudulent loans, opening credit card accounts and even buying cars or leasing an apartment in your name. To help you safeguard your information while shopping online, we have compiled these useful tips and information about what you should do if you suspect that you have become a victim of identity theft.

• Make your computer a virtual fortress:

  Install firewalls, spam filters and anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your online activities. Once you have installed these programs, keep them up-to-date by using your computer’s “auto-update” function.

• Exercise e-mail savvy:

  Beware of “phishing” e-mails that look like they came from a bank, credit card or other financial company, such as PayPal®, but in reality were created by would-be identity thieves. These e-mails often indicate that there is a problem with your account and ask for your account information to “correct” the problem. Legitimate companies do not contact you via e-mail for such information. Do not click on Internet links within unsolicited e-mails. Instead, type the URL into your browser. Never send account numbers, PIN’s or other personal information in the body of an e-mail. E-mail is not secure and could be intercepted.

• Do not enter personal information into pop-up screens:

  Identity thieves sometimes create authentic-looking pop-ups that appear when you access a company’s Web site. These screens include blanks for personal information that can later be used to make fraudulent transactions in your name. Reputable companies do not ask for information in pop-ups You can also install anti-pop-up software to prevent this nuisance.

• Investigate unfamiliar merchants:

  Check the Better Business Bureau’s Web site (www.bbb.org) to learn more about the company’s reputation before making a transaction. The Federal Citizen Information Center’s Consumer Action site lists state consumer protection resources at www.consumeraction.gov/state.shtml. Be sure to check a seller’s feedback page if you are buying from an online auction.

• Choose your passwords wisely:

  Do not use the same password for all of your computing activities. Do not make your e-mail password the same as the password you use to log onto your computer. Always create a unique password for online transactions, and especially for sensitive sites such as online banking. Do not use your name, date of birth, home address or phone number as a password. Instead, choose a string of letters, numbers and symbols.

• Only divulge information under lock and key:

  Before entering your personal information or credit card account number on a merchant’s Web site, make sure that the transaction is secured by encryption technology. The URL at the top of the page you are viewing should change from “http:”, to “https:” or “shttp:”. Your Web browser should also display a locked padlock or an unbroken key to let you know that your information is being encoded to protect it from potential thieves.

• Use a dedicated credit card:

  When shopping online, pay with a dedicated credit card. Should a problem arise, federal law permits you to dispute the charges. In addition, many card issuers protect their account holders with “zero liability” policies. Having a credit card exclusively for online use also makes it easier to monitor your purchases.

• Document your orders:

  Print out receipts from online retailers for future reference.

• Do not store personal information on your computer:

  If you need to record personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers, create a CD and keep it in a secure location. If you must store personal information electronically, use an encryption program to protect it. Do not use your computer’s “Remember My Password” feature, because anyone using your computer could access your information or make transactions in your name. 

• Safe public computing:

  If you are using a public computer, never walk away from it while you are logged on. When you are finished with your session, be sure to log out and close the browser window.

• Offline protection:

  Carefully review credit card and bank statements; the majority of identity theft crimes are self-detected. Check your credit report at least once each year to make sure there is no fraudulent activity. Obtain a free copy of your credit report one time per year from the three major credit agencies, which are Trans Union, Equifax and Experian.

If, despite your best efforts, you think you have become a victim of identity theft, it is crucial to act quickly to minimize damage to your credit and your good name.

• The Call For Action consumer network offers a hotline (866-ID-HOTLINE) and Web site (www.callforaction.org) that provides consumers with free, confidential step-by-step guidance for addressing identity theft.
• Immediately place a “fraud alert” on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus. Within 24 hours, the bureau you contact will have alerted the other two bureaus. Equifax may be reached at www.equifax.com or 800-525-6285. Experian may be reached at www.experian.com or 888-397-3742. TransUnion’s Web address is www.transunion.com and its hotline is 800-680-7289.
• File a police report and keep a copy of the report number as proof of the crime. Being able to prove that you reported the theft can be helpful when dealing with creditors.
• Close any accounts that you did not open, or that have been subjected to tampering. Make sure each creditor with which you maintain an account is aware that you have been a victim of identity theft. 
• Finally, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/ftc/consumer.htm or call 877-ID-THEFT.

As always, please feel free to contact us for assistance for more information or advice at (215) 663-0400.