Friends,
Christmas is a time of giving, but unfortunately, it is a time when thieves also prey upon the unsuspecting. Chances are you have already received a fair amount of emails today touting all the deals to be had on “Cyber Monday,” but there’s something that’s free and is essential this holiday shopping season.
In between browsing for the latest deal on TV’s or computers, take a minute to look at your own finances. With the massive data breach at the Department of Revenue, it is vital that you include financial security on any shopping list.
Perhaps the best present of all this Cyber Monday can be had for free, placing a freeze on your credit. If the hackers have your information from the DOR data breach, a credit freeze will likely stop them from being able to take out credit in your name. Since you’re online reading this, take a minute to check your latest bank and credit card statements to make sure everything is in line.
CLICK HERE to visit the Financial Literacy page on the State Treasurer’s Website. It has contact information for the three credit reporting agencies that can freeze your credit, in addition to other tips from financial security experts.
Enjoy Cyber Monday and play it safe. The few ounces of effort you take now could prevent a ton of headaches in the future.
Be Well, Curtis M. Loftis, Jr.
Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina
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