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ShopSmart Cuts Your Risk of Identity Theft

ShopSmart MagazineYonkers, NY – Everyone is at risk of ID theft – whether it’s because of sensitive information on paperwork like monthly bills and medical forms, lack of precaution when browsing online – or even your shopping habits when you hit the stores.

The March 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, helps you avoid ID theft with tips on what to shred when, how to shred it, and how to guard your ID while shopping.

“ID theft is a major concern for consumers, but a lot of people are unsure of what measures they can take to prevent it,” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart.  “We put together an easy guide to help people protect their identities whether they’re in stores, shopping online, or just looking to get rid of old, sensitive paperwork.”

What you should always shred

  • Credit-card info.  Expired credit cards and prescreened credit-card offers and applications, even if they contain incorrect data, can still be used to obtain fake cards.  Don’t forget about those courtesy checks from your credit-card issuer, too.
  • Monthly bills.  If you bank online and don’t need the portion of the bill you would enclose with your check in the return envelope, shred them ASAP.  Those payment coupons might contain your full account number.
  • Workplace documents.  Shred your pay stubs, 1099s, and any other tax-related papers more than seven years old.  Keep more recent tax documents in case you’re audited.
  • Financial statements.  Monthly or quarterly statements from your bank, credit-card companies, 401(k) administrator, and broker, for example, might include your account numbers.  Also shred any documents that have your password or PIN.
  • IDs.  That includes old ID cards, expired licenses, and anything with your Social Security number on it.
  • Medical forms.  They could include a member ID number, which makes you vulnerable to medical ID theft.
  • Mail from a financial institution.  Even documents that don’t have account info can leave you exposed.

Guard your ID while shopping

  • When you shop online
    • Keep your computer safe.  Install security software and set it to update automatically.  Avira’s AntiVir Personal topped our recent test of free anti-malware computer programs.  Also look for software (often free) for your smart phone that lets you remotely lock or delete data if the phone is lost.
    • Don’t use public wireless connections to shop.  By using your computer or smart phone on a public network, you might unwittingly connect to a Wi-Fi connection of a crook waiting to capture your personal info.
    • Avoid e-mail scams.  No legitimate retailers will ask for account numbers or other personal info in e-mail.
  • When you shop in stores
    • Travel light.  Before you head to the mall, take any ID that contains sensitive data (like your Social Security number) out of your wallet unless you’ll definitely need it.
    • Be stingy with your info.  Never disclose your Social Security number, birth date, or mother’s maiden name unless you initiated a transaction.  (This is true for online transactions, too.)  And don’t include that information on documents unless you’re shopping for financing or insurance, and even then only do so on an official application.

About Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization.  Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually.  Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website, and other publications.  Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

About ShopSmart Magazine

Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon the publication’s celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. ShopSmart features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. It’s ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix. ShopSmart is available by subscription at www.ShopSmartmag.org.

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