How to Protect Yourself from ID Theft and Scams This Holiday Season and Beyond

Revised – December 11, 2024

The holiday season brings joy, generosity—and unfortunately, a spike in scams and identity theft. Increased consumer spending during this time creates a prime opportunity for fraudsters looking to exploit unsuspecting shoppers.

Identity thieves and scammers use sophisticated tactics, old and new, to target victims of all ages. But there’s good news: by taking proactive steps, you can make yourself a much harder target for these modern-day Grinches, not only during the holidays but year-round.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports millions of identity theft and fraud complaints annually, and anyone can fall victim. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your finances.

Stay Safe While Shopping In-Person

If you enjoy the festive hustle and bustle of in-person holiday shopping, remember that crowded public areas are hotspots for ID theft. Fraud prevention should be at the top of your priorities for the holidays. Protect yourself with these strategies:

• Protect Your Bank Account by Securing Your Wallet and Purse: Use bags with zippers, keep them close to your body and limit the personal information you carry.
• Opt for a Credit Card Over a Debit Card: Credit card companies offer better fraud protection and quicker refunds if your card information is compromised.
• Invest in RFID-Blocking Technology: RFID wallets and sleeves block thieves from skimming your card data electronically.
• Exercise ATM Caution: Stick to ATMs in well-lit, secure areas, preferably those attached to banks. Cover your PIN as you type and inspect card readers for tampering.
• Monitor Your Card Usage: Never lose sight of your card when paying, and keep receipts in a secure place to track purchases. And pay close attention to your activity through your financial institution’s website. 

Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Online shopping continues to dominate holiday spending, but look out for online scams. Cybercriminals are more active than ever, using phishing emails, fake websites and malicious software to steal personal information.

Here’s how to stay secure:

1. Verify Website Legitimacy:
   • Check for “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar.
   • Avoid clicking on unsolicited emails or pop-up ads that seem too good to be true.

1. Use Reputable Retailers: Stick to trusted sites or merchants with whom you’ve had successful transactions.
2. Strengthen Device Security:

1. Update your antivirus software and use strong, unique passwords for online banking and shopping accounts.
2. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
3. Shop Smart on Mobile Devices:

1. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for shopping. Instead, rely on cellular data or a secured private network.
2. Close apps and browser tabs after use and clear your browsing history regularly.

Fortify Your Home Security

Identity theft and malware don’t just happen online and in stores—it can start at your mailbox or doorstep. Here’s how to protect yourself at home from hackers:

• Secure Your Mail: Retrieve mail daily, use a locking mailbox, or have packages delivered to secure locations like Amazon Lockers.
• Shred Sensitive Documents: Destroy bank statements, bills and other documents containing personal data before discarding them.
• Monitor Your Credit Reports: Obtain free annual reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian via AnnualCreditReport.com. Consider freezing your credit if you suspect fraud.
• Use Paperless Billing: Reduce the risk of mail theft by switching to an electronic credit card statement.

Safeguard Children’s Identities

Children are increasingly becoming targets for identity theft because their credit histories are often unmonitored. The impact can go unnoticed for years, making the losses devastating.

• Monitor Their Credit: Contact credit bureaus for a manual search of files tied to your child’s name and Social Security number.
• Limit Information Sharing: Avoid providing your child’s Social Security number unnecessarily—leave fields blank or fill in zeros when possible.
• Educate and Supervise: Teach your kids to avoid sharing personal information online, particularly when gaming or using social media. Use parental controls and monitor their activity regularly.

Recognize New Threats: Emerging Holiday Scams

Identity thieves continuously adapt, introducing new scams alongside tried-and-true tactics. Here are some trends to watch out for:

• Buy-Now-Pay-Later Fraud: Suspicious activity comes in many forms. Many holiday shoppers use BNPL services like Affirm or Afterpay. Ensure you’re using legitimate platforms, as scammers often impersonate these services.
• Fake Charity Scams: Verify the legitimacy of charitable organizations through resources like Charity Navigator before donating.
• Cryptocurrency Scams: Be wary of holiday promotions offering “guaranteed returns” on crypto investments—these are often fraudulent.
• Social Media Gift Exchanges: These pyramid schemes promise free gifts in exchange for participation but often result in identity theft.

Year-Round Identity Protection Tips

While the holidays are high-risk, identity theft prevention should be a year-round practice.

• Monitor Bank Statements Daily: Spot suspicious transactions early.
• Enable Alerts: Many banks and credit cards offer real-time transaction alerts to help catch unauthorized activity.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Protect your online activities on unsecured networks.
• Employ Digital Wallets: Payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay use tokenization, adding an extra layer of security.
• Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: Services like LifeLock or IdentityForce can provide monitoring and recovery assistance.

The holiday season is about spreading joy, not falling victim to scams. By staying vigilant and adopting these practices, you can protect your personal and financial information—and enjoy a worry-free holiday season and beyond.