The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re thinking about doing some of your Christmas shopping online this year, you could be at risk for identity theft. False websites, email attachments, even sharing information on Facebook are all ways that a hacker can get your personal information and credit card numbers.

He stole your identity, how could it be so?

He stole your identity, how could it be so?

When visiting merchant web sites…

  • Keep an eye on the URL. Make sure there are no typos, and it doesn’t look…weird. If you’re at www.VictoraisSecret.com, you could be at risk.
  • Turn on your browser’s antiphishing protection.

When paying for an item…

  • Always use a credit card. Never use a debit card or checking account. Why? If someone steals your credit card number and goes wild, you can usually have those charges taken off. If someone steals your debit card number, they can easily empty your account and you’ll have no way of getting back the money. It CAN happen — it just happened to my best friend’s boyfriend.
  • STOP filling out a form if it asks you for your bank account number or Social Security number. These are definite red flags that someone is trying to steal your identity.
When you’re on Facebook…
  • Don’t status update about any extended travel plans. This is a cue for one of your “Friends” to break into your house and steal your stuff! Come on, let’s be serious… do you know and trust ALL of your Facebook friends? Probably not. Chances are, one of them could be hard up for cash…
  • Don’t comment about extended travel plans. When you comment on a friend’s page, people who aren’t YOUR friend can see your comment. This enlarges your circle of distrust and puts you more at risk.
  • Be wary about applications. Some of them could be malware. So if you don’t REALLY need that pummel-the-dancing-Snowman-with-snowballs game, don’t add it.
If you’ve followed all these steps and still manage to contract a virus, have no fear… A+ Mobile PC Doctors is the most qualified computer repair company to take care of all your virus removal needs. It can happen to the best of us. We offer remote and onsite computer repair services. We are hands down the most recommended for Boston computer repair services and national computer repair services. Visit A+ Mobile PC Doctors on the web and take a look at everything we offer.