WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans are concerned about credit card hacking. Research shows it's more feared than any other crime including terrorism, assault, or burglary. These feelings aren't without merit--recent breaches by major retailers are making people think twice about how they shop.
As Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday approach, ease some of these fears with these dos and don'ts from USA.gov's Consumer Action Handbook editor, Marietta Jelks.
- DO: Use a credit card, not a debit card. Although many people use them interchangeably, debit cards do not have the same protections against fraud, hacking, and theft as credit cards.
- DON'T: Shop Online without a Secure Internet Connection. Using free public wi-fi at airports, bookstores, and coffee shops is easy, but it's not safe for monetary transactions. You can't be sure the connection is secure, and you don't know who has access to it.
- DO: Keep an Eye on Account Statements. Check your statements regularly, especially during the holiday season, to be sure that all charges are yours. If you spot any fraudulent charges, report them to your credit card company immediately.
You can have a safer holiday shopping season when you stay diligent, and follow these guidelines. For more advice on protecting your money and making smart consumer decisions, order the Consumer Action Handbook. To ask questions about keeping your money safe, email askmarietta@gsa.gov, or tweet them using the hashtag #AskMarietta.
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SOURCE USA.gov
