4 Tips to Prevent Fraud & ID Theft

The holidays season is here and with it comes the need to protect yourself and your family from the latest scams and ID theft. According to experts, more than 75% of Americans were victims of a holiday scam last year. Here are the top five ways to protect yourself this holiday season.

1. Beware of Fake Charities

The holidays are a time of giving and because of this scammers and ID thieves prey on the generosity of others. In 2020, victims of charity scams lost more than $4.4 million. From requests to help disaster victims, to GOFundMe accounts and other charitable requests, it’s easy to be duped into giving, especially for those generous souls looking to help others. To protect yourself against this kind of fraud, be sure to research any charities you are interested in supporting. Do not click on any links sent via email–always visit the charity’s website. Some resources for verifying a charity are listed on Better Business Bureau’s website.

2. Shop Online with Caution

Online shopping is convenient and easy but it does not come without its risks. When doing your holiday shopping, be sure to only shop on verified sites. If buying directly from a private seller, make sure you read reviews and watch for red flags including requests to pay with crypto currency, gift cards or wire transfers. It’s also recommended that you do not shop using public WiFi.

3. Watch for Phishing Email Scams

Emails that look like they come from a trusted site but do not are often phishing scams attempting to lure you in with great deals. Phishing emails can appear to come from sites like Amazon, Apple or other similar companies offering a special price or saying that you’ve won a prize. Emails that contain links or ask that you verify your password are ploys to get you to click and then either infect your device with malware or steal your passwords and other personal information.

4. Be Aware of Fraudulent Seasonal Job Postings

While many companies hire seasonal employees, a popular scam involves job postings for these types of jobs offering big pay. Once you respond to the listing and provide your confidential information, including name, address, social security number, etc. the scammer steals your ID. In addition, job posters that ask you to pay for supplies or equipment are also looking to steal your money. If you are interested in a post for a seasonal position, it’s recommended that you check online for company reviews–there are numerous sites that offer information about companies.

In addition to these tips on the latest holiday scams, be sure to protect yourself by keeping strong passwords and shredding documents you no longer need (do not throw anything in regular trash or in the recycling bin that has your name, address, phone number or other personal information). All Points Mobile Shredding provides shredding at your home or office. Our state-of-the-art shredding trucks come directly to you so you can witness the entire process and we provide a certificate of destruction which gives you peace of mind that your documents have been permanently destroyed. Give us a call today or complete the form on this page for a quick quote.