Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer This Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month

December is a time for giving, gathering, and good cheer, but it’s also Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month, a timely reminder to safeguard your personal information during one of the busiest (and most vulnerable) seasons of the year.

Identity theft is when someone illegally obtains and uses your personal information — like your Social Security number, credit card details, or login credentials — to impersonate you for financial gain or other malicious purposes. This can lead to fraudulent charges, accounts opened in your name, filing fake tax returns, accessing your medical benefits, or damage to your credit and reputation. Unlike general scams, identity theft involves stealing your identity to commit crimes or access resources as if they were you. Staying vigilant and protecting your personal data is key to preventing it.

As we deck the halls and shop for loved ones, cybercriminals are also making their lists, and checking them twice. With increased online shopping, travel, and charitable giving, the holidays present prime opportunities for identity thieves to strike. But with a few smart habits, you can help keep your holidays merry and your identity secure:

1. Protect Your Devices
Keep your phone, tablet, and computer updated with the latest security patches. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

2. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must, use a VPN to encrypt your connection.

3. Secure your mail or enroll in electronic delivery: Don’t let credit card or bank statements sit in an unlocked mailbox.

4. Use a digital wallet: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and similar tools encrypt your card info, making it harder to steal.

5. Check your credit report: Look for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries. You can get a free report at AnnualCreditReport.com. Our free Credit Sense tool also provides alerts and access to your report.

6. Be cautious with gift cards: Scammers love to ask for payment in gift cards — a red flag. Also, inspect gift cards in stores for signs of tampering.

7. Limit what you carry: Don’t keep your Social Security card or extra credit cards in your wallet while shopping.

8. Freeze your credit: If you’re not planning to open new accounts, a credit freeze can block identity thieves from doing it for you.

9. Shop Smart Online
Stick to trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or social media ads. Look for “https” in the URL or a padlock icon and use secure payment methods.

10. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Check your bank and credit card statements often, especially during the holidays. Set up alerts for unusual activity and report anything suspicious immediately.

Identity theft can take months to resolve and cause lasting financial and emotional stress. This December, take a few proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services, freezing your credit, or reviewing your credit report for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Let’s make this season one of joy, generosity, and security. From all of us at Opportunity Bank of Montana, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and a fraud-free New Year!

·         Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Help – Report identity theft and get recovery guidance: https://www.identitytheft.gov

·         FTC Consumer Alerts – Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud trends: https://consumer.ftc.gov