IINC’s List of Do’s and Don’ts for Safe Holiday Shopping

Whether you’re shopping in line at the mall or online at your computer, it pays to guard against thieves. With home burglary and identity theft on the rise, shoppers face more perils than ever this holiday season.

Property crimes like burglary and forgery are on the rise, and according to the FBI, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country – up as much as 80 percent from 2002 to 2003 nationwide.

To help holiday shoppers give the heave-ho-ho-ho to holiday thievery, the Insurance Information Network of California has prepared this list of do’s and don’ts:

• Do carry only necessary identification and credit/debit cards, and leave extra credit cards at home to reduce the risk of theft.
• Don’t carry your social security card, as it is your principal form of identification.
• Do shield your card when at the register or an ATM, as it only takes seconds for someone to memorize your information while looking over you shoulder. Make sure that a cashier returns the proper card to you and put it away quickly.
• Don’t throw receipts away in public garbage cans – it’s best to keep them and cross-reference them against your monthly statements.
• Do park in well-lit areas, and always lock your doors and windows.
• Don’t leave your gifts in the car where they are in plain sight and tempting to thieves.
• Do pay attention to those walking near you or observing your purchases.
• Don’t carry a big purse. But if you have to, keep it tucked close to your body.
• Do make sure you are dealing with a reputable retailer while shopping on the Internet. When in doubt, call the company directly to place your order.
• Don’t give out any financial information on the Internet unless the lock symbol icon is present, assuring the retailer is using a secure server.
• Do take time out to protect your home from burglars when you’re away by keeping lights on, making sure windows and doors are locked and lowering the volume on your answering machine.
• Don’t leave holiday gifts in your home or under the Christmas tree in plain sight from the outside of your home -- it’s an invitation, and burglars are quick to RSVP.

“By following these simple steps, consumers can protect themselves, their financial information and their loved ones from holiday crime,” said IINC Executive Director Candysse Miller. “The only thing stolen during the holidays should be a kiss under the mistletoe.”

The Insurance Information Network of California is a nonprofit, non-lobbying communications association representing the property/casualty insurance industry. This and other consumer insurance information is available on the IINC web site at www.iinc.org.