NextStop Blog

It can happen to you when you least expect it. Each year, millions of people in the United States become victims of identity theft. Thieves and scam artists are looking for ways to get a hold of personal and financial information – whether you’re making purchases online, over the phone or in person.

Make sure you’re protected, and remember these tips to ensure a safe holiday shopping experience:

1. Never give personal information over the phone, such as your social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card numbers or bank PIN code, unless you initiated the phone call.
2. Sign all credit cards upon receipt.
3. Memorize your social security number and all of your passwords. Do not write them down on anything you keep in your wallet or purse.
4. Never loan your credit card (or cell phone, unless you know the person) to anyone else.
5. Report lost or stolen cards immediately.
6. Use caution when disclosing checking account numbers, credit card numbers or other personal financial data to any website or online service, unless you receive a security authentication key from your provider (for example, the internet website address will start with ‘https://’, which signifies a secure connection).

Identity theft is not the only thing to be mindful of this month. Here are a few other tips to make your holiday shopping experience safer and more enjoyable.

From all of us here at Metro transit, have a safe and happy holiday season.