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During the holidays, more and more consumers find themselves at risk for cyber fraud. For many, technology has become an integral part of daily life, allowing us unlimited access to the world around us. Living in the modern age means being connected 24/7 and between social media profiles and online shopping apps, you are better safe than sorry when volunteering personal information over the internet.

Cybercrime evolves alongside technology; when your phone becomes smarter, the threats to your identity become greater. Today, losing your smartphone is equivalent, if not greater than, losing your wallet. Imagine if you were to lose your smartphone today, how much of your information could someone walk off with? Cybercriminals thrive on insecure networks and blind-faith consumerism - if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When browsing online, whether purchasing or not, your information is being stored in some fashion by the websites you visit and the ads that you click on. With this gathered information, companies are able to assess how they should market to an individual. Based on a person’s online activity, companies will place ads that directly target the interests of the shopper. However, if your information has been logged on an untrusted network, cybercriminals could be using your information to create mock adverts to target you for a scam. While targeted advertising may seem benign, it has become so commonplace that many online shoppers are not be able to recognize a real ad from a scammer.

To better safeguard your finances and personal information this holiday season, it is important to understand the difference between what is considered a risky or secure website. A website that is secured will have a URL address that starts with “https“ rather than “http”, and most reputable online shops will have an SSL/TSL certificate displayed on their site. To simplify, these certificates signify that your information is being encrypted, and therefore less likely to be stolen by hackers.

We all want to find that perfect gift for that perfect someone, but when searching for the best deals online, it is easy to get sucked in. Be vigilant of ads offering the lowest prices or promotional incentives after sign-up and steer clear of targeted ads from retailers you do not recognize. Don’t get fooled, protecting your identity is worth more than any discount could provide.

If you or a loved one have fallen victim to identity theft, it is recommended that you speak with an attorney who can better evaluate your recovery options. Contact the Law Offices of Lauren P. Raysor by visiting www.LaurenPRaysor.com or calling 914-733-8080.

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