IINC Offers Tips for Shopping Safety, Both Online and In the Mall

Whether you’re shopping in line at the mall or online at your computer, it pays to guard against thieves.  They’re making their lists and checking them twice.

Property crimes like burglary cost victims an estimated $4.3 billion in 2007.  According to the FBI's Internet Crime Report, Internet crime reached an all-time high that year with a 20 percent increase in reported losses over 2006.  California ranks first in both the total number of online criminals as well as the total number of victims of cyber crime.

To help holiday shoppers avoid holiday thievery, the Insurance Information Network of California has prepared this list of shopping safety do’s and don’ts:

• Do carry only necessary identification and credit or debit cards.
• Don’t carry your social security card.
• Do shield your card when at the register or an ATM – it only takes seconds for someone to memorize your information while looking over your shoulder. 
• Don’t throw receipts away in public garbage cans – they can be easily retrieved by criminals.
• Do lock your car and park in well-lit areas.
• Don’t leave your gifts in the car in plain sight tempting thieves.
• Do make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable retailer while shopping on the Internet. 
• Don’t give out any financial information on the Internet unless the lock symbol icon is present.  Watch out for unsolicited e-mails that ask for this information.
• Do have your online purchases delivered to an office for security – some thieves target homes with deliveries left on the front porch.
  

Additionally, be certain to secure holiday purchases, keeping them out of sight to unwanted visitors at a window of the home.

“While insurance can help you recover from many of these thefts, it’s always better to prevent them from happening,” said IINC Executive Director Candysse Miller. 

For more information on this and other safety subjects, visit www.iinc.org. Consumer tips and advice are also available on the podcast, IINC Spots at www.iincspots.com.    
       
IINC is a non-profit, non-lobbying insurance communications association dedicated to helping the public understand insurance and risk management issues.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Federal Trade Commission
Better Business Bureau