From computer hackers to car window smashers, holiday shopping can provide ample opportunities for thieves, consumer advocates and police warn.
"Unfortunately, not everybody out is shopping and preparing for the holiday in a positive manner," Salem police Capt. Shawn Patten said.
With more people traveling to malls and surfing for deals online, there are greater opportunities for identity theft, according to the Better Business Bureau. Reports of identity theft increased by 22 percent in 2008, with 10 million people reporting their identities had been stolen, according to a report from Javelin Strategy and Research.
"Identity theft can happen to you whether you're shopping online or shopping at the mall, making it critical that we all take specific steps to fight both low- and high-tech ID thieves," said Paula Fleming, vice president of communications and marketing for the bureau.
The organization said 44 percent of holiday shoppers make purchases online, and some are caught up by scams that steal their credit card numbers. Online shoppers should confirm the legitimacy of all "trust marks" on Web sites. Clicking on the trust mark seal should take the shopper to the certifying organization's Web site if the seal is legitimate. The group also recommends using a credit card for online purchases because the Fair Credit Billing Act offers protection and the opportunity to dispute fraudulent charges.
Shoppers also should be sure the site they are using is secure — the address bar should read "https://" in front of the Web address, and a small lock symbol should appear in the lower right corner. Using the Web browser's tools or properties menu also can show if the site is encrypted. If it is not, consumers should not divulge their information.
Shoppers should be wary of e-mails that report problems with billing or shipping. Those who receive those e-mails should contact the bank, retailer or shipping organization that sent it before offering any personal information online, the bureau advised.
Whether shoppers are waiting in line at a store or browsing online, they should pay close attention to return and exchange policies. Companies are not legally required to refund or exchange any merchandise unless it is defective or was misrepresented.
While high-tech theft is on the rise, old-fashioned techniques are still a problem, Patten said.
He urged people to be aware of their surroundings and to keep wallets and purses close. Keeping money and credit cards in a front or inside jacket pocket is even safer, he said.
Patten said belongings are not safe once you put them in your car, and urged people to leave newly purchased gifts in the trunk while they shop.
"We see a countless amount of thefts of gifts that people have put in their cars, only to return from the store to find them all stolen with their windows broken open," Patten said.
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