As summer approaches, millions of Americans will be traveling domestically and internationally, spending money on tickets, eating out, and shopping. This makes it the perfect time for certain people to take advantage of consumers. If you're traveling this summer, here's five key things to keep in mind to keep your wallet- and your identity- safe.
Pay attention at the point of sale.
Frequently, consumers – particularly those shopping at brick & mortar establishments – are in such a rush to complete their transactions that they pay little attention to the sales clerk’s actions, often neglecting to look at their receipts before signing them. Are there charges beyond what was expected? Did the clerk immediately deposit the establishment’s copy in the register or other container specifically allotted to those receipts? Increasing awareness of how your information is handled is the first line of defense against identity theft and other security risks.
Securely store or destroy receipts.
Keep track of all purchase receipts, both printed and received via e-mail. The information on these receipts can be used to access victims’ accounts or to steal their identities. Despite the prevalence of identity crimes and increased public awareness, many consumers think nothing of wadding up their receipts and tossing them into the trash – even at the point of purchase.
Be wary of email solicitations.
Many scammers send out email offers made to look like they come from well-known and trustworthy companies, while the links redirect to sites designed to defraud viewers or infect their computers with viruses. Once you visit one of these sites, your passwords, financial account data, and personal information are unknowingly at risk.
Even if an email looks official, you’re safer going to the organization’s official site and accessing any special offers there. At the very least, hover your mouse cursor over the link found in questionable emails to check validity of the address – this will generally appear next to your cursor or at the bottom of the browser screen. If the address is not clearly related to the advertised company’s official website, it's probably a scam.
Shop only at trusted websites.
One critical indicator you should watch for is for the site’s address to begin with htpps, rather than http. That little “S” indicates that it is a secure site, which gives a measure of safety while shopping. Avoid any online shopping cart that doesn’t have the secure designation, and look for verification from services like Verisign© that verify the integrity of the site’s processes.
When shopping or bidding online, check the seller’s feedback rating.
Look at the number of transactions sellers have successfully completed before making the decision to buy. Look for sellers who have a significant track record, and a positive response ratio. If a seller tries to get you to enter into a transaction outside of official pathways, decline the offer, as it is a well-established procedure used by scammers worldwide.
Common sense helps shoppers avoid consumer missteps. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. To stay safe as you navigate consumerism, don’t let your excitement outweigh your good instincts. Better to pass on a purchase than to fall victim to a scam.
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