CONTACT

Barbara Read
VP/Communications Director
Telephone: 970-224-4222 / 800-564-0370 Ext. 118
E-mail: media@mountainstates.bbb.org

Not everyone is full of goodwill during the holidays. The holidays are prime time for financial crimes - identity theft, robbery and fraud - and seniors are often the target.

To safeguard against financial crimes this holiday season, the Mountain States Better Business Bureau offers these timely tips for seniors and others this holiday season.

Hang on to your personal information. Do not give any personal information over the phone or Internet to an unfamiliar company or caller. This includes your credit card numbers, credit card expiration date, Social Security number, driver's license number, bank account numbers, and personal information such as your mother's maiden name. Tell the person to send their request to you in the mail and that you will check out their record with the Better Business Bureau.

Use direct deposit. Your mail - both incoming and outgoing - is vulnerable, especially during the holidays when criminal activity is heightened. If your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check or other payments are delivered by mail to an unlocked box, you may be at risk for theft. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, reduces fraud and gives people faster access to their money on payment day. Direct deposit also protects against identity theft. For more information about enrolling in direct deposit of your Social Security or SSI payment, call the Go Direct helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or sign-up online at www.GoDirect.org.

Pay the safest way. It's best to use a credit card as your payment option. Under federal law you can dispute the charges if you don't get what you were promised, or if the product is not delivered within the stated time period. Many credit card issuers also have a "zero liability" policy for unauthorized charges in the event your credit card number is stolen.

Arm yourself with information. Whenever you have a question or concern regarding a merchant or marketplace transaction, contact the Mountain States Better Business Bureau at www.mountainstates.bbb.org, or phone the BBB at 800-564-0371. It's just good business!