Simple steps can keep you protected

BY CATHY NELSON
SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS

While many of us dread the holiday shopping crowds, there's one group that eagerly anticipates the harried throngs -- and they won't be on anybody's nice list.

We're talking about identity thieves, and, for many of them, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.

"With the malls and stores so full, it's a virtual hunting ground for identity thieves," said Detective Lt. Marty Bugbee, commander of fraud investigations for the Michigan State Police.

The holiday season also is prime time for thieves to prey on Internet shoppers.

Here are some tips to help protect you from becoming a victim:

Guard your valuables. "The big thing crooks look for is opportunity," said Bugbee. "Don't give it to them."

That means making sure your wallet, purse and bags aren't left on chairs or in shopping carts.

Also, don't carry around your Social Security number or every credit card you own.

"More than 50% of identity theft is traced back to an actual paper document," said Tim Burns, public affairs director for the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan. "Don't have any sensitive personal information with you, and carry minimal cash and only one or two credit cards."

Beware of cyber strangers. Remember how your parents told you not to talk to strangers? The same rule should apply online, said Bugbee.

That means you should never open files or download software from people you don't know. These authentic-looking e-mails -- pretending to be from UPS or the U.S. Postal Service -- are especially prevalent now. But they can instead be from scammers trying to get at sensitive information stored on your computer, according to Burns.

"Clicking on the link allows their software to be downloaded on your computer," he said, adding that the software is then used to steal your personal information.

"If you get one of these e-mails, never click on the link. Instead, go to the company's legitimate site to find out if it's authentic."

It's also important to make sure you have firewalls and up-to-date antivirus software installed, said Burns.

Don't check the mail. Don't put any outgoing mail, especially if it contains checks, in your home mailbox for pickup. Scammers can get to it that way, said Bugbee. Instead, take your mail to a collection box or post office.

To find out more about protecting yourself from identity theft, visit http://detroit.bbb.org or www.michigan.govcq-both (enter "identity theft" in the search box). Or visit or call the FTC at www.ftc.gov or 877-438-4338.