The holiday season brings joy, celebrations, and, for many, plenty of shopping. Whether hunting for the perfect gift in stores or shopping from the comfort of your home, it’s important to stay vigilant against identity theft. Here’s how you can protect yourself while enjoying the holidays.
Shopping on public Wi-Fi networks—like those at airports, coffee shops, or restaurants—can expose your personal information to hackers. Using these networks, avoid entering sensitive data, such as credit card numbers or passwords.
Always secure your devices with strong passwords and shop only on secure, private networks. Hackers can intercept data you provide during your transactions, including your address and Social Security number, putting you at risk for identity theft.
When shopping online, use only secure websites. Look for “https” in the address bar rather than “http” to ensure your information is encrypted. Be wary of unfamiliar sites, especially those advertised on social media, as they may not deliver on their promises.
Do your research before making a purchase by checking reviews and ratings. Stick to reputable retailers to reduce the risk of your information falling into the wrong hands.
Using a credit card offers greater protection than a debit card against fraudulent charges. If your credit card is compromised, it won’t immediately affect your available funds, and disputes are generally resolved quickly.
With a debit card, funds are withdrawn directly from your account, which can disrupt your daily transactions and take time to resolve. Protect your finances by using your Whitefish Credit Union credit card when making holiday purchases.
Checking your Whitefish Credit Union accounts frequently is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of fraud. Log in through Online or Mobile Banking to quickly review transactions and spot suspicious activity.
Set up customizable Account Alerts to receive notifications for transactions, balances, or overdrafts. Alerts can be sent straight to your phone or email, giving you peace of mind even on the go.
Holiday shopping can be hectic, making it easy to overlook potential risks. When making payments over the phone, ensure you’re in a private location where no one can overhear or see your credit card numbers.
Securely dispose of sensitive documents, such as junk mail and credit card applications, by shredding them. If offered, opt for email receipts instead of paper to reduce the risk of personal information being stolen from discarded receipts.
At Whitefish Credit Union, we’re committed to helping you protect your finances. Ensure your contact information is updated in Online Banking so we can alert you to suspicious activity.
You can also use our robust Account Alerts to monitor your accounts in real-time. Alerts include daily balance updates, transaction notifications, and overdraft alerts—all customizable to fit your needs.
For more tips on staying safe this holiday season, visit WhitefishCU.com/Security or contact your local Whitefish Credit Union branch.