Shopping Online? Be Wary of Crime.

NCPC wants you to share this information with consumers to help them protect themselves from online scams this holiday season.

By Nicole Nasiatka, NCPC Staff

It’s that time of year again—when jingle bells, sparkling snowflakes, and singing snowmen take center stage, relegating scary goblins and ghost costumes to the clearance shelves. But for many, the holiday season is the busiest and most stressful time of the year. And with the country facing a struggling economy, many Americans may feel extra pressure on their pockets this holiday season.

This year, in an effort to save gas money, many may find themselves searching for that perfect gift online. Unfortunately, crooks like to take advantage of this hectic time of year by crafting all sorts of online scams.

“Thieves like to take advantage of consumers during this time of year,” said Michelle Boykins, director of Media Relations and Marketing at the National Crime Prevention Council. “They exploit the giving nature of the season and use consumers’ elevated stress levels and hectic schedules to their benefit. It’s very important for online shoppers to know how to protect themselves from the various threats that exist on the Web.”

NCPC offers these tips for you to share with consumers in your community who may be shopping online this season. Print them in your monthly neighborhood newsletter, include them at a weekly Watch meeting, or post them at your community center. Help those you support to keep crooks from robbing them of their holiday cheer and hard-earned cash.

• Secure personal computers by updating security software. Every computer should have anti-virus software, anti-spyware, and anti-spam software, as well as a good firewall installed. Firewalls and anti-virus software are the first line of defense. They help keep computers safe and secure.
• Keep personal information private and passwords secure. Do not respond to requests to “verify” your password or credit card information unless you initiated the contact. Legitimate businesses will not contact you in this manner.
• Beware of “bargains” from companies with which you are unfamiliar—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address. They indicate that you are dealing with a secure website.
• Shop with companies you know and trust. Check for background information if you plan to buy from a new or unfamiliar company.
• Avoid crooks phishing for charity. Do not respond to online solicitations for charities unless you initiated the contact. If you are interested in giving, investigate the charity and give through their approved donation process online or through the mail.
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multi-use disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites. Also, familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of online sites.

Remind folks to keep these tips in mind as they shop from the comfort of their own homes this year and keep their holiday seasons bah-humbug free!

To find more information about how to protect individuals from online fraud and identity theft, visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s website at www.ncpc.org or the Federal Trade Commission’s website at www.ftc.gov.