Better Business Bureau Shares Holiday Safety Tips
Nov. 19, 2007, TRENTON, N.J. -- Not everyone is full of goodwill during the holidays. Unfortunately, the holidays are prime time for financial crimes – identity theft, robbery and fraud – and seniors are often the target.
"Consumers are reminded to Shred, Signup, Suppress and be Sensitive," says Melissa Companick, Acting President of the BBB of New Jersey. "Shred any private documents; sign up for automatic payroll, Social Security and SSI payments through direct deposit; suppress the amount of key paperwork left in mail boxes and other accessible areas; and be sensitive to protecting your passwords and financial information from anyone without a specific reason to have that information."
To safeguard against financial crimes this holiday season the Better Business Bureau of New Jersey offers these tips for seniors:
Hang on to your personal information. Do not give any personal information over the phone or Internet to an unfamiliar company or caller. This includes your credit card numbers, but also the credit card expiration date, your Social Security number, driver’s license number, bank account numbers, and personal information, such as your mother’s maiden name. Even if you are told it is only for “identification” or “verification” purposes, this information can be used for unauthorized credit card charges or bank account debits. Tell the person to send their request to you in the mail and that you will check out their record with BBB.
Use direct deposit. Your mail – both incoming and outgoing – can be vulnerable, especially during the holidays when criminal activity is heightened. If your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check or other payments is delivered by mail to an unlocked box, you may be at risk for theft. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, reduces fraud and gives people faster access to their money on payment day. Direct deposit also protects against identity theft. For more information about enrolling in direct deposit of your Social Security or SSI payment, call the Go Direct helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or sign-up online at www.GoDirect.org.
Pay the safest way. Many consumers use online resources for holiday shopping. Remember it's best to pay by credit card or via an online service like Pay Pal, which afford you protections under the Fair Credit Billing Act. This means if there are billing errors, the credit card company can help withhold payment to a seller if you have received defective or poor quality goods. PayPal also adds an extra layer of security because the seller doesn’t see your credit information. Services like PayPal protect your account numbers from the seller and protect the seller from a dishonest buyer.
Arm yourself with information. The Better Business Bureau offers safe shopping advice and other helpful tips at the www.bbb.org Web site. Start with trust and investigate before you invest. Consult with trusted family members, friends or neighbors before making a major purchasing decision. Whenever you have a question or concern regarding a merchant or marketplace transaction, contact your Better Business Bureau or check the consumer tips and alerts at www.bbb.org.
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