The holiday season is about giving-giving and spending time with your friends and family.  While it is easy to get caught up in all of the holiday spending, you should also be aware of the fraud threats and make sure you protect your personal information.

According to the Accenture Consumer Holiday Shopping Survey, compared with 2011 23% of shoppers expect to spend more than $750.00 on holiday gifts.  33% of shoppers expect to use major credit cards to pay for their holiday purchases.  With the frequency of credit card use during the holiday shopping season, hackers will be working overtime to scam as many unsuspecting victims as possible.

To ensure you are not a victim of holiday shopping fraud, follow these tips.

• Save EVERY receipt.  When shopping online, consider creating a ‘Holiday Purchases’ folder to keep track of all order number, payment and shipping confirmation emails that the company sends you.
• Do not give out your credit card, financial or personal information for a chance to win a new gadget or getaway.
• Make sure if you plan on donating to a Charity this season that they provide key information in writing before you send in your check!  Read their mission statement; check their costs and where the money actually goes once you donate it!
• Be careful of identity theft when shopping at the mall.  Keep your cards and wallet secure at all times.  It is easy for a scammer to try to steal your wallet or purse while you’re carrying a ton of bags!
• When shopping online, watch out for the ‘Click Here Now’ links.  It is common for hackers to send you to a bogus site while they attempt to obtain your personal information.
• You should NEVER have to provide your social security number to purchase orders online.

Hopefully these tips will help you avoid any identity and/or credit card fraud as you’re finishing your last-minute shopping during this holiday season.

Everyone at New Empire Group would like to wish you and your families a very happy holiday!

**Please note our office will be closing early Friday, December 21^st, 2012.  We will resume regular business hours Wednesday, December 26^th 2012.

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