Last year, nearly one in eight Americans were victims of identity theft during the holidays.
"Christmas, more than any other holiday, can bring out the best and the worst in people," said Kellandria Thompson, junior accounting major. More than 27 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years. Those thefts have cost consumers more than $5 billion dollars in out-of-pocket expenses and cost businesses more than $50 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
Melanie Stringer, junior education major, knows what a hassle identity theft can be if you're not prepared.
"Last year, my parents' credit card was stolen and someone charged more than $6,000. The only way they found out is because my mom is constantly checking her statements," Stringer said. "The company was really nice about it and they didn't have to pay it back because they were protected with an identity theft program."
Many credit card companies offer some form of protection from identity theft. Visa offers consumers zero liability on unauthorized charges. MasterCard International and Name Protect, the leading digital fraud detection company, announced in June they were working together to aggressively combat illegal online activities and the brokering of illegally obtained payment card numbers online.
The FTC and the Department of Consumer Affairs have a checklist for all holiday shoppers to help protect themselves from theft. The number one rule, according to both agencies, is to never carry large amounts of cash.
"Most people my age don't have credit cards, so we carry cash, " said Julian Green, sophomore communication major. "Depending on what time of year it is, I could have $2 in my wallet or $200. It's like that when you're in school."
A customer service representative for American Express, who asked to be identified as "Elvin," said that is one of the benefits of credit cards.
"When you're out shopping, you never know who is watching you as you search through your wallet to buy your Christmas items," he said. "I can't tell you how many times I have been behind someone with a wad of cash counting it in a crowded mall. That makes you a target for thieves."
He also said if you have too many credit cards, you may not notice which one is missing during the busy season.
"Only carry one or two cards at a time, not every card you own," he said. "Being careful is the best thing any of us can do to avoid someone stealing our Christmas."
Shopping tips from The Department of Consumer Affairs
* Don't carry too much personal information on you. Leave your social security card at home and don't print you driver's license number, social security number, or telephone number on your checks.
* Tear up or shred papers. This is the time of year when many people are "pre-approved" for credit cards. Shred these documents, or better yet, call 888-OPT-OUT and the pre-approved offers will stop altogether.
* Don't give out personal information unless you made the contact. Never give your personal information to unsolicited phone calls or emails.
* Ask Questions! If you are ever asked to give out any information that can threaten your identity ask lots of questions like, "Why do you need it", "Who has access to it? " If you're not satisfied with the response, go elsewhere.
* Check your bills and statements promptly. Thoroughly check your statement as soon as they arrive. If you find any unauthorized transactions, call and report them right away.
* Check your credit reports for free. Starting this December, everyone is entitled to one free credit report a year from each of the credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
