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| Shopping Safely |
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| WBNG News |
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12/5/2008 - As more shoppers flock to stores and shop online this holiday season , the risk of identity theft also rises.
Multimedia Watch The Video And New Yorkers are among the top targets for scammers.
Action News reporter Erik Burling tells us what you can do to keep your money in check.
It's busy, bustling and full of holiday cheer at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City.
But, the shopping isn't stress free, with all this spending comes the possibility of identity theft.
"Actually it probably worries me this time of year more than any other time...I'm concerned with probably any purchase that I make," said Maria Lescord of Endicott.
More than 8 million people will become identity theft victims this year.
And, with more purchasing activity during the holiday season, personal information becomes more vulnerable.
"I check online everyday my bank account cuz it's free, and I call everyday to see what's cleared and what's not," said Laura Gibbs of Binghamton.
"With an average of 45 per day, New York ranks 8th in the nation in identity theft cases reported. People between the age of 18 and 24 are most vulnerable," said Action News reporter Erik Burling
There are a number of measures consumers can take to maintain their identity.
Visions Federal Credit Union says shoppers should avoid carrying a number of credit cards.
And, to write down what's in your wallet or purse, therefore if it is lost or stolen you'll know what to report missing.
If your identity is stolen...
"The first step would be to contact their financial institution. If it's a matter of charges on their account do to a credit card or debit card the financial institution can cancel the credit card immediately," said Amie Clarke of Visions Federal Credit Union.
To help get back your money, and help restore your financial identity.
Visions Federal Credit Union says victims of credit card fraud are liable to no more than the first $50 dollars of identity theft.
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