If you’re already using an identity protection service and continually educate yourself on the latest threats online, you likely consider yourself cyber-aware. But, what about the rest of your family? Talk to your family about the importance of online security, and follow these security best practices to help stay secure this holiday season.
Avoid Too Good To Be True Deals
Steer clear of insecure or unfamiliar sites offering unlikely deals, as you may end up giving away sensitive personal information or paying for an item only to find out you fell for a scam. The same goes for emails. Do not click on suspicious offers in unsolicited emails. Call the retailer directly to confirm the offer is valid. As the adage goes: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Check Billing Statements
With increased shopping happening around the holidays, fraudsters are looking to cash in. Keep a close eye on your billing statements for suspicious charges, even small ones. Fraudsters often test small amounts to ensure the card is valid so that they can make fraudulent purchases for larger amounts later on. Report any suspicious charges to your bank or credit card company.
Consider Family Plans
We all have unique identity elements, like Social Security number or email address, and monitoring one individual’s personal information doesn’t protect other members of the family. Consider an identity protection service that offers child monitoring or family plans so that you can extend services to the entire family. These services alert members to possible instances of identity theft so that you and your family can take action.
Educate your family this holiday season – and all year long – on these security best practices.