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Keep your identity and credit safe this holidayFrom the Minnesota Bankers Association As the holiday season approaches, the Minnesota Bankers Association (MBA) i once again reminding the public to take extra precautions to be safe. ìThis time of the year unfortunately brings with it a variety of criminals and con artists who try to take advantage of shoppers during the busiest shopping season of the year,î said Joe Witt, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the association. ìTaking a few extra precautions, not only while shopping but also at home, can help deter those holiday criminals form entering our lives.î Bankers have historically played an active role in combating fraud, the association said. By using these holiday season safety tips, consumers can take major steps to guard against a number of scams including credit card fraud, theft and identify theft. The Minnesota Bankers Association is the stateís largest association devoted exclusively to the representation of commercial banks. The MBA was founded in 1889 and represents nearly 500 banks in Minnesota. Following are just a few of the safety tips the MBA offers: ï Statistics nationwide prove that citizens are especially vulnerable to burglaries, robberies and other crimes this time of year as they get caught up in the holiday bustle. ï Never leave your holiday purchases in plain sight of a window in your house. When purchases are in your car, keep them locked in the trunk and out of sight. ï Review your credit card and bank statements carefully and immediately report any unusual activity. ï Never carry your social security card and never carry more credit cards than you need. ï Never type your credit card account number on the Internet unless you are on a secure site. ï Never provide your Social Security number or personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call. ï Guard your online passwords. Use different passwords when youíre making a purchase than you use to log on to your computer or network. ï Keep receipts in a secure place. Make sure to shred those receipts that you donít need before throwing them away. ï Keep a list of all credit cards, account numbers, expiration dates and customer service telephone numbers in a secure place away from the cards in case they are lost or stolen. ï Never leave your purse or wallet in the car, even if hidden. ï When traveling, especially over the holidays, ask a trusted friend to take in your mail. For information, call Debra Hurston at (952) 857-2604. ©ECM Post Review |