311 - Are you mindful while holiday shopping?

Spirits are high and everyone is focused on buying meaningful gifts and getting the best deals.

Financial fraud is at its peak during the month of December.

It is only one type of identity theft but it's the one people have heard of most.

Be mindful as you shop online and in stores.

Use credit cards, NOT debit cards.

Stop using checks! They have your information, your signature, and your bank information.

Identity thieves are savvy and they are fast.

You may notice that you are receiving text messages from Amazon or other online merchants where you have shopped.

DO NOT ASSUME IT IS SAFE TO CLICK ON LINKS FROM ANY MERCHANT!!

BEWARE - If you receive text alerts with links, go straight to the merchant's website. Stop clicking on links assuming you know who it is from.

BEWARE - of fake emails from charities. Check before donating. Use a website like https://www.charitynavigator.org/

BEWARE - of spoof websites and emails from popular companies. Go to the company website rather than clicking on links in emails.

Shop safely by being mindful of every step of the transaction and people standing in line around you.

Are you mindful while holiday shopping?