Columbus, OH - 'Tis the season to be merry, give presents and... protect yourself from identity theft? With increased shopping and credit card use, the holiday season presents a prime opportunity for identity thieves to steal consumers' financial information.

"This time of year should be filled with festivity and celebration, but sadly, retailers aren't the only ones busy during the holidays," said Kirk Herath, Nationwide's Chief Privacy Officer and an expert on identity theft. "Identity thieves see prime opportunities for stealing and using financial information as consumers make more trips to the mall and spend more online. The best way for consumers to enjoy the season without putting their financial information at risk is to be aware."

Identity theft occurs in several ways. The following are some common techniques by which identities are stolen, along with tips from Nationwide, who has developed a unique Identity Theft protection service, on how consumers can protect themselves.

Online scams: According to the Nielsen Net Ratings, online holiday shopping increased 30% between 2004 and 2005 and is only expected to grow in 2006. Ordering gifts online presents opportunities for thieves to pose as legitimate retailers or to collect financial information traveling over the Internet through an unsecure Web site.

* TIP: To avoid becoming a victim online, don't trust a company that asks you to provide a Social Security number. Keep a printed copy of your online order confirmations.

Shoulder Surfing: Harried shoppers and long check out lines present a perfect opportunity for a thief to quietly look over shoppers' shoulders and steal financial information.

* TIP: To protect yourself from shoulder surfers, be aware of your environment and shield your credit cards, checks, driver's licenses and PIN numbers from wandering eyes. Also, watch out for thieves using camera phones to snap a photo of your account number and card.

Phishing: Some thieves trick people into giving up personal information online by sending phony emails with links to fake corporate Web sites asking you to update your billing information. By visiting the site and entering the personal information, victims inadvertently give the criminals their credit card numbers, PINs and even Social Security numbers.

* TIP: Legitimate companies would not ask you to provide sensitive information like this via email. Do not provide this information in response to an emailed request.

Phone scams: Be cautious in giving information to telephone solicitors over the holiday season.

* TIP: Ask the solicitors to send you information in the mail.

Skimming: Shopper information can also be stolen when a clerk slides a credit card though a second machine – unrelated to the purchase – that scans the information from the magnetic strip and stores it until it can be downloaded onto a counterfeit card.

* TIP: To protect yourself from skimming, pay with cash whenever you can. When using a credit card, keep your eyes on it at all times and carefully review your statements for unwarranted charges.

Dumpster diving: Thieves will go through your garbage looking for credit card receipts and other personal information to retrieve your identification.

* TIP: Shred anything with a bar-code or other sensitive information.

"Smart shoppers not only make their list and check it twice, they also take measures to secure their financial information," said Herath.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #99 on the Fortune 100 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, homeowners, life, health, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

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