In spite of growing concerns over identity theft, economics experts predict a strong holiday shopping season in New York this year. Struggling retailers are banking on the hopes that consumers will get out and spend money on gifts. Luckily, early polls indicate high consumer confidence in New York and other states. However, surveys also show that, even though most consumers plan to shop generously during the holidays, they won’t give their business to just any retailer. Instead, New York consumers will take their dollars and shopping lists to places where they feel safe. Today’s shoppers understand the threat of identity theft and want as much protection as possible. So, whether online or in brick-and-mortar stores, New York gift-givers are likely to go where they feel safe.
Why Most New York Consumers are Skeptical about the Ability of Most Retailers to Guard Them Against Identity Theft
New York retailers who want an edge over the competition this holiday season should think safety first. In spite of a willingness to spend this year, consumers have doubts about identity theft protection while shopping. In fact, according to a study from Generali Global Assistance (GGA), 40% of surveyed consumers don’t think retailers are doing all they can to protect their information from hackers. 75% of poll respondents fear that another big retail data breach is just around the corner.
Specifically, 57% of New York shoppers believe that a potential online data breach poses the biggest identity theft threat this holiday season. However, 22% think that a breach involving a brick-and-mortar point of sale system is more likely. Interestingly enough, only 11% of polled consumers are concerned about pickpocketing and other types of physical robbery. Still, even most New Yorkers seem confident about their ability to protect their belongings, they should play it safe. While out among the crowds during the holidays, never let your purse and wallet out of sight for even a second.
Finally, 84% of consumers in New York and all other U.S. states claim that they are less likely to do business with retailers that have experienced data breaches in the past. This means that retailers that have struggled with security issues must do all they can to restore consumer confidence. If possible, this should include offering identity theft protections services. Apparently, this would make 56% of New Yorkers more confident about giving them their business.
How New York Consumers Can Guard Themselves Against Identity Theft This Holiday Season
While enjoying the beautifully decorated stores in New York this season, remember that it is never a good idea to carry around large amounts of cash. With this in mind, if possible, use your credit card instead of your debit card for gift purchases. Luckily, most credit cards come with built-in identity theft protections. Just keep an eye on your charges so that you don’t inflate your utilization rates and bring down your credit score.
While shopping on line, New York consumers should only make transactions on secure sights. Also, doublecheck the website URL before checking out. Unfortunately, seasoned hackers can create copycat sites that are identical to well-known and established retail websites. So, pay extra attention to avoid giving away your personal information and payment data to scammers. Finally, never shop online while using public Wi-Fi. This makes it all-too easy for fraudsters to make you the next victim of identity theft.
How New York Consumers Should Handle Identity Theft
Even if you are exceptionally cautious, data breaches happen. This is why all New York consumers should regularly check their information for signs of identity theft. For example, because you most likely have online access to your bank and credit card statements, you should monitor them daily. As for your credit reports, you should review them at least once every 12 months.
Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), this is how frequently you may request free copies of your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus. Just go to www.annualcreditreport.com, and get your credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian all in one place.
If, while going over your credit reports, you spot unrecognizable accounts or bogus transactions, file a police report immediately. You will need a copy of this report in order to recover your credit reports and credit score. Next, contact Credit Repair Lawyers of America in New York. When you call the credit pros at our firm, we’ll handle the entire dispute process for you from start to finish. An experienced credit attorney will get all fraudulent items removed from your credit reports legally – and for FREE.
The Free and Legal Way to Repair Your Credit Reports After Identity Theft in New York
Don’t let identity theft damage on your credit reports bring your credit score down. At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we’ve been cleaning up credit reports for consumers since 2008 for free. How do we do it? All of our fees come from the defendants in settled cases. This is why our clients pay nothing for the work we do.
Let’s start the conversation about what we can do for your credit. Set up your free consultation today by calling Attorney Carl Schwartz at (646) 859-3045 or sending him a message through our contact page.
For more information about Free Credit Repair After Identity Theft, please visit https://creditrepairlawyersam.com/fixing-identity-theft/.
