Who is Watching While You Are Shopping?

Holiday shopping. What a frenetic time of year. The frenzy of the mall, the online searches, the desperation to find the perfect gift.

No wonder it is also prime time for identity theft.

Preying on distracted shoppers is big business. Identity thieves are just waiting for the opportunity to steal your money, use your personal information and ruin your credit. But once you know what to look for, you can protect your financial health with a keen eye and an alert sensibility.

Be Vigilant Is someone standing over your shoulder while you are at the checkout counter? Crowded malls are rife with these "shoulder surfers" who pick pockets and steal credit card numbers. Remember your mother's advice and keep your purse or wallet zipped and close at hand at all times.

Shop only at stores that let you swipe your own card and protect yourself from unscrupulous clerks who would use your numbers for their own personal use. If you pay by check, sign your name with a fraud proof pen. These pens use wash-proof ink so thieves can't rewrite your check.

Check Those Receipts
Take a look at your receipt before you leave the counter and make sure it matches what you expected to pay. Check them against your credit card statement regularly to ensure there were no additional charges.

Watch Those Online Purchases
Never give ATM, Check Card or credit card PIN numbers to anyone. And make sure that whenever you shop or make charity donations online, you are using a secure server. Check for the little "lock" symbol in the upper right corner of your computer screen.

Monitor Your Accounts for Fraud
Constantly monitor your bank and credit card accounts for fraudulent transactions. Wachovia makes it easy to keep track of all of your accounts with Online Banking.

If You Think You've Been a Victim of Identity Theft
Don't panic. We're here to help. If you think you have been a victim of ID theft, immediately contact your bank and credit card companies and have them cancel your cards and put a hold on your checks. Change your online passwords and file a police report

.

The best defense is a good offense. By raising your awareness and taking a few proactive steps, you can make sure it is holiday cheer you are passing around, not your personal information.