Protect Your Identity this Holiday Season

Protect your identity from cyber criminals this holiday season.

Unfortunately, cyber criminals are more active during the holidays than during any other time of the year. This is because more people are shopping online, accessing ATMs, and whipping out their credit cards. With the threat of a stolen identity looming, it's important that you take precautions to protect yourself. Here are some of the steps you should take to protect your identity this holiday season.

Watch Out for Phishing Schemes

Phishing is a scam where criminals use fake emails to steal personal information. At first glance, phishing emails look like official correspondence from a reputable source. However, a closer look will often reveal signs that it is a fake email. Read through all questionable emails looking for things like grammar and spelling errors. You should also watch out for sections of the email that seem to be written awkwardly. Before you click any links embedded in the email or input any personal information, study the email carefully to verify its legitimacy.

Shop Using a Gift Card

When you are shopping online, you should use a pre-paid gift card rather than your credit or debit card. Should a hacker gain access to your payment information, you will lose the balance on your card. However, this is far preferable to them gaining access to your credit card or debit account.

Set Strong Passwords

When you are using an account online, it's important that you choose strong passwords. The best passwords are long and contain a random mix of upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and special symbols. Additionally, make sure you are not using the same password for different accounts. By taking these password precautions, you can reduce the chance of a cyber criminal gaining access to your online accounts and stealing your personal information.

These are some of the precautions you should take to protect your identity this holiday season. Want another way to keep yourself safe? Make sure you have the right personal insurance protections in place. For assistance with all your coverage needs, contact the experts at Scavone Insurance in White Plains, New York today.