We’re into what has traditionally been the busiest shopping time of the year and identity thieves know it and want to take advantage of it.  ID theft prevention is important year round and as the holiday season approaches we want to give you a few precautionary reminders.

Beware of ‘Skimming’

Skimming occurs when your card that is used for payment is ’skimmed’ through a second machine.  The second machine captures all the account data that can then be used or sold, while you get the receipt for your actual payment.

Watch for Cell Phone Cameras
There have been some reports of employees using their cell phone camera to take pictures of the front and back of a customer’s credit card to get the full name and account number, the security code on the back and the signature. 

WHAT TO DO
Keep your card in sight at all times.  At a restaurant, don’t send it off to places unseen in the little guest check holder that they bring your bill in.  Take it up to the register yourself.  Watch the processing of your card at all times.  If the employee seems to be fidgety or reaching in their pockets while your payment is being processed, they may be attempting to access their phone camera.

The Identity Theft Resource Center has a terrific list of prevention tips in their Holiday Consumer Alert.

If you or someone you know has been the victim or potential victim of identity theft and is finding it difficult to get their credit reports completely corrected, contact us today.  We have helped many clients over the past seven years correct and rebuild their good credit rating. 

.