---
title: 5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Identity Thieves This Holiday Season
description: Use secure websites, set smarter passwords when you store credit card info, and check statements carefully.
authors:
  - name: Jill Schlesinger
    url: https://money.com/author/jill-schlesinger/
    at_money_since: 2015
    articles: 24
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published: '2015-11-24T11:15:05.000Z'
modified: '2024-04-16T07:38:51.000Z'
section: Identity Theft
word_count: 280
canonical: https://money.com/protect-identity-thieves-holidays/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
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> **Disclosure:** We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/).

![Jill Schlesinger](https://img.money.com/2015/11/151123_em_jillschlesinger_grab_1.png)

Data breaches have become part of our lives -- but you can still take a few steps to protect yourself before you hit the stores or start surfing for the upcoming holiday season. Here are a few smart ways to shop more securely.

-   Start by only conducting business with secure web sites, which have a padlock symbol or an address that starts with “https.” If you come across a smaller website and aren’t sure about whether it is secure, check it out with the Better Business Bureau.
-   If you store your credit card information with any website, be sure to set a strong password that is only used for that site.
-   When shopping in a brick-and-mortar location, the safest choice is using cash at the checkout counter -- but most of us don’t want to risk losing money. If you want the convenience of plastic, credit cards are the safest option: If your credit card information is stolen or compromised, your liability is minimized, whereas a debit card thief could drain your bank account before you notice. Additionally, credit card issuers usually provide protection against stolen, damaged or lost items.
-   Once you've done your shopping, carefully review credit card statements as soon as you receive them to make sure there aren’t any unauthorized charges. If there is a discrepancy, call your issuer and report it immediately.

Finally, if you think that your information has been compromised or that you have been a victim of identity theft, go to the [FTC website](https://www.identitytheft.gov/) for step-by-step instructions about what you need to do.

**Read more:**

-   **How to Protect Yourself from ID Theft**
-   **[8 Ways You Didn’t Know Hackers Could Steal Your Identity](https://money.com/bizarre-identity-theft/)**

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