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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Michael McGeehan |
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Be mindful of ID theft in wrapping up Christmas shopping
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – State Rep. Mike McGeehan, D-Phila., today said that while this may be the “season to be jolly,” it’s also a time to be sure to “let nothing you dismay,” including the possibility of falling victim to an identity thief.
“This is a time when it is open season on shoppers in the eyes of identity thieves,” McGeehan said. The lines at the checkout counters are long, the clerks are hard-pressed to keep things moving and there’s excitement to get to the next item on the shopping list.
“Identity thieves are counting on haste and distraction to give them an opportunity to fill their own stockings through someone else’s credit or bank account.”
McGeehan said there are basic precautions to especially keep in mind during the holiday season:
- When you hand your credit card to a sales clerk, keep your eyes on your card. Don’t be distracted from pocketing it as soon as the transaction is completed.
- Before discarding receipts or other documents containing financial or personal information -- SHRED THEM.
- Regularly check all credit card and bank statements for accuracy or unusual activity.
- On your computer, use only secure sites when making online purchases.
- Pay for online purchases by credit card to assure you get what you pay for and to limit your liability.
- Obtain a copy of your credit report annually from one of the three credit-reporting agencies and check it for accuracy and unusual activity.
- Be especially mindful of your copy of an authorization slip in a credit transaction. Some businesses still put the complete credit account number on it. When dining out, if the authorization you sign contains your complete account number, do not leave until your server picks it up.
- Retrieve mail from your mailbox as soon as possible.
- If sending a gift card, check or money in a card, mail it at a postal collection box or the post office.
- Keep track of credit card-billing schedules to protect against an ID thief changing the billing address on your account.
- Never respond to unsolicited requests for your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers, or any other financial data.
- If you discover you are a victim of identity theft, report it to police and your credit-card issuer immediately!
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McGeehan added that constituents are welcome to contact his constituent service office to obtain a pamphlet on identity theft. Constituents may write or visit 7731 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136, or call 215-333-9760.
Consumers can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three credit-reporting agencies by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com online.
Still more information about identity theft is available at the Federal Trade Commission Web site at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
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CONTACT: Jay Purdy |