Cyber Monday Can Be A Great Deal for ID Thieves and Scam Artists

DEM Blogger

November 26, 2018

Cyber Monday is becoming as big as Black Friday for getting your holiday shopping done and finding amazing discounts. There are some great deals, but buyers must beware of scams and the tricks identity thieves may use. Here are some tips that will help you enjoy a safe shopping experience:

• Make sure your computer and internet browser security features are installed and contain the most current updates.
• Purchase gift cards directly from the merchant or authorized retail merchants. Do not purchase through online auctions, Craigslist or eBay sales.
• Never open email receipts for items you did not purchase.
• Log on directly to the official website for businesses rather than clicking on links.
• Do not complete forms that require personal identifying information, such as your social security number or bank account and routing details.
• Shop on well-known and trusted sites.
• Always look for “https” in the site’s address. A trusted site might also include a picture of a locked padlock.
• Do not trust photos of items. Read the item description to ensure you are ordering the item you want.
• Understand the site’s return policies before you purchase.
• Do not be taken in by offers to provide free shipping if you sign up for a preferred customer account. These accounts are not always free, and you may pay much more than you would have for shipping.
• Consider using bank-issued prepaid credit cards for online purchases. They will not contain any personal identifying information.
• Obtain tracking numbers for shipments and determine the carrier who will deliver (Post Office, Fed-EX, UPS, etc).
• Print out and save your order so that you have documentation of the sale.
• Do not have your computer remember your bank account or credit card information.
• As soon as you complete your shopping check your credit and debit accounts.
• Make sure that the purchases listed match up with your actual purchases. If anything is incorrect, contact your financial institution immediately.
• Always log off of sites and remember to log off and shut off your computer when you have finished shopping.

If you suspect you’ve become a victim of fraud or identity theft, notify the Lexington Police Financial Crimes Unit at 859-258-3600. You should also notify the Kentucky Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Department at 502-696-5389 or online at https://ag.ky.gov/Pages/contact.aspx