Black Friday Shopping: Protect Your Identity

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National Cyber Awareness System:



Black Friday Shopping: Protect Your Identity [ 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/current-activity/2019/11/27/black-friday-shopping-protect-your-identity ] 11/27/2019 10:46 
AM EST 
Original release date: November 27, 2019

Black Friday is one of the most lucrative shopping days of the year for retailers in brick-and-mortar shops and online, 
but shoppers aren't the only ones looking for deals. Malicious people may be able to obtain personal information (such 
as credit card numbers, phone numbers, account numbers, and addresses) by stealing your wallet, overhearing a phone 
conversation, rummaging through your trash (a practice known as dumpster diving), or picking up a receipt at a 
restaurant that has your account number on it. If a thief has enough information, he or she may be able to impersonate 
you to purchase items, open new accounts, or apply for loans.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages holiday shoppers to take the following identity 
theft precautions [ https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-019 ]:


  * Take advantage of security features. Passwords and other security features add layers of protection if used 
appropriately. (See Choosing and Protecting Passwords [ https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002 ].) 
  * Check privacy policies. Take precautions when providing information, and make sure to check published privacy 
policies to see how a company will use or distribute your information. (See Protecting Your Privacy [ 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-013 ].) 
  * Check your statements. Keep a record of your purchases and copies of confirmation pages, and compare them to your 
bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately. 
  * Be careful what information you publicize. Attackers may be able to piece together information from a variety of 
sources. Avoid posting personal data in public forums. (See Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites [ 
https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST06-003 ].) 

This product is provided subject to this Notification [ https://www.us-cert.gov/privacy/notification ] and this Privacy 
& Use [ https://www.dhs.gov/privacy-policy ] policy.

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