Holiday Safety

Rocking Chair Wisdom would like to provide the following information during this holiday season to help keep you safe during this joyous time of the year when we may not be quite as alert as we normally are. The hustle and bustle of the season may result in our taking short cuts that could be costly.

Computer Safety – On Line Shopping

The number of identity theft complaints collected by the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel program hit 258,427 last year, more than a third of which involved stolen credit card or bank account numbers.

Despite the dangers, no one’s telling consumers to abandon their online shopping carts. Instead, security experts advise consumers to take practical, often obvious steps to protect themselves.

The most basic steps consumers can take are to install a security program on their PCs and to make sure that and other software on their computers — particularly their operating systems, Web browsers and browser plug-ins — are kept up to date. Software updates frequently plug known security holes and, on the security software side, provide protection against newly discovered malware.

Beyond that, security experts recommend using common sense — and staying vigilant. Consumers should be wary of clicking on e-mailed links or visiting unfamiliar Web sites, they say. It’s a good idea to go to security sites, such as one run by F-secure, that offer free malware scans. And they should keep a lookout for strange charges on their credit cards statements.

Personal Safety

• Park your car in a well lighted area of the parking lot.
• Secure valuables in the trunk of your vehicle out of sight.
• Walk with others to your car after dark or ask security to assist.
• Keep one hand free for carrying your keys in order to have access to the panic button on the key fob.

Financial Safety

• Protect your personal information. Keep credit card and debit card information close at hand. Be cautious when relinquishing your cards at restaurants.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using ATM’s.
• Monitor your credit card and bank account information on-line if possible.
• Reconcile your financial statements monthly, matching receipts to charges.
• Use caution in purchasing gift cards. With many stores going out of business or closing some stores, it may be difficult or impossible to use that gift card.

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