Back to School Scams: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft While Shopping for Deals
As the back to school shopping season kicks off, Americans are on the hunt for the best deals on supplies and clothes. Unfortunately, scammers are well aware of this and are targeting unsuspecting consumers, aiming to steal their identities and personal information. According to the National Retail Federation, the average American is expected to spend around $890 per child on back to school expenses this year. This significant spending makes shoppers an attractive target for fraudsters.
Bryan Lewis, CEO of Intellicheck and an expert in identity theft, warns consumers to be cautious when browsing online for deals. Scammers often send out coupons via email or social media, promising substantial savings on common back to school items. However, these offers may be nothing more than a ploy to deceive and trick people into revealing their personal information.
To protect yourself, Lewis recommends exercising caution when clicking on any links. Many ads and pop-ups that appear legitimate are actually designed to collect your data or introduce malware to your computer. Before clicking on a link, be sure to hover over it to verify its authenticity. If anything seems suspicious, it’s best to avoid clicking altogether.
In the unfortunate event that your identity is stolen, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Report the theft to the police immediately and notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by filling out a form on their website. The sooner you report the incident, the easier it will be to rectify the situation and minimize the potential damage.
Children can also be targets of scammers, so it’s vital to educate them about online safety. Warn them against giving out personal information, even on their social media accounts.
In conclusion, while you search for the best deals during the back to school shopping season, beware of scammers lurking online. Be vigilant and cautious when clicking on links, hover over them to ensure their legitimacy, and avoid sharing personal information. Remember, your child’s identity may also be at risk, so teach them about online safety. By taking these precautions, you can safeguard yourself and your family from falling victim to identity theft and enjoy a worry-free back to school shopping experience.
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