GreenPath Financial Wellness – 10 Ways to Avoid Identity Theft is Inside Charity’s take on Identity Theft Protection Awareness Month.
As the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is in full swing and many persons continue working remotely, identity thieves are likely to take advantage of system exposures. But there’s ways to safeguard your identity and your assets. GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit that provides financial counseling and debt management services, has released a list of tips to protect you and your family from identity theft this holiday season.
A 2020 Experian survey found that nearly a quarter of survey respondents (24%) were the victim of identity theft or fraud during the holidays – either when they used a credit card while shopping at a retail store (22 percent) or while shopping online (21 percent).
“As our collective screen time levels remain high, the holiday retail season is increasingly digital and high levels of online transactions continue, we are even more vulnerable to cyber threats,” said GreenPath president and CEO Kristen Holt. “It’s important we all remain vigilant year-round to protect our personal information and be on the lookout for those seeking to do harm.”
When shopping in-person:
When shopping online:
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that millions of Americans have their identities stolen each year.
What should you do if you become a victim of identity theft?
“It can be overwhelming to find out someone has stolen your personal information,” said Holt. “But know that you’re not alone. It’s important to act quickly and take immediate steps to mitigate damage and reduce your stress.”
If something seems amiss:
GreenPath offers two webinars on identity theft and online security that are available to view on-demand. Each webinar will give you the facts about what identity theft is, how to protect yourself, and what to do if your identity has been stolen.
Focusing on non-traditional gifts and the joy of experiences this holiday season can help you celebrate in a budget-conscious way and mitigate cyber fraud. GreenPath suggests consumers resist the urge to splurge, shop your pantry/freezer/closet first or volunteer at a friend or loved one’s favorite charity. By seeking alternative ways to revel in the season, you can avoid excess holiday debt and lower exposure to identity theft. Visit www.greenpath.com for more information.
About GreenPath
GreenPath Financial Wellness is a nonprofit with locations nationwide that has empowered people to lead financially healthy lives since 1961. As one of the largest financial counseling agencies in the nation, GreenPath has assisted millions of people with debt and credit management, student loans, homeownership, and foreclosure prevention. Headquartered in Michigan, GreenPath, along with its affiliates, has more than 30 locations across the nation and provides phone and online tools accessible from anywhere. GreenPath is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). Visit www.greenpath.com or call 866-648-8122.
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