Tips to protect your information this holiday season

A woman checking her phone while shopping.

November 01, 2017

With the holiday season just around the corner, many retailers are vying for your business. But scam artists may also be trying to make a sale by stealing your money or profiting from your personal information. Check out these tips for busy holiday shoppers.

Online

  • Look for indicators that a retailer’s website is secure, such as a lock icon on the status bar or a web address beginning with https://.
  • Use caution when shopping at a Wi-Fi hot spot. If you’re on an unsecured network, other users can see what you see – and what you send.
  • Know the seller before you buy. Remember if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Don’t click on pop-up ads or links in unsolicited emails.
  • Don’t provide personal information via email. Instead, call the business at a number you know to be correct to confirm the request.
  • Consider checking your accounts online frequently so that you can spot potentially fraudulent activity more quickly.
  • Create unique, hard-to-guess passwords for each of your online accounts and change them often.
  • Make sure the virus scan detection software on your computer is current.

Out and about

  • Carry only essential IDs such as your driver’s license and health card. Leave your Social Insurance Number (SIN) card in a safe place.
  • Do not let private organizations make copies of your IDs unless there is a legitimate need and you know your information will be protected. The information on the copy is as valuable as the original document.
  • During transactions, tap, insert or swipe your cards yourself. If you must hand over your debit/credit card, never lose sight of it.
  • Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket or in an open purse slung over your shoulder.

For a better understanding of the growing number of scams targeting investors and their money, visit Fraud Awareness & Prevention, under Client Resources at edwardjones.ca.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, contact the following:

  • Your local police and file a report
  • The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:

If you've been victimized by a scam involving your Edward Jones account, contact your Edward Jones advisor for further guidance.