| Consumer Tips For New Year's Resolutions |
| I will file my tax return as early as possible to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of tax filing and tax refund fraud. |
| I will not provide my social security number, financial information nor personal information unless I am 100 percent certain of who I am giving it to and why, nor carry my social security card with me unless I intend to use it. |
| I will make a permanent and healthy lifestyle change rather than committing to long term fitness club contracts or purchasing quick fix “miracle” weight loss products that could be dangerous to my health. |
| I will order FREE copies of my credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-332-8228 to review them for accuracy and errors, and consider freezing my credit file, which is FREE to Florida seniors age 65 and older, and to victims of identity theft. |
| I will thoroughly research a business to ensure it is properly registered or licensed by the state or local government, and check out its complaint history before entering into a contract and issuing payment. |
| I will read and understand any contract that I sign, and receive a complete signed copy. |
| I will commit to a monthly budget, save more, spend less, and pay down my debts. |
| I will shred documents that contain my personal identifying information. |
| I will always assume that an unsolicited email or text message is a possible scam, and never click the link or links attached. |
| I will safeguard my personal and financial information, and regularly check my bank account and credit card statements for any bogus activity. |
| I will check my medical, insurance and financial records for discrepancies and possible fraud, and keep a medical journal or detailed record of all medical services received. |
| I will not jump into an online dating site without learning about the privacy policies, cancellation clauses and refund policies; nor will I fall for false claims of love and companionship when tied to requests for money. |
| I will screen my incoming phone calls to avoid telemarketing scams that may try to obtain money and/or my personal information. |
| I will consider registering with the federal and state Do Not Call lists. |
| I will protect my computer with firewalls, up-to-date security, and anti-virus software. |
| I will protect my Smartphone by logging out of apps, clear my browser history, password protect my home screen and update the operating software. |
| I will NEVER share personal or financial information over public Wi-Fi networks. |
| I will use a credit card when shopping by phone, television or online, and dispute the charge within 60 days from the receipt of the bill if I’m unsatisfied with a product or services. |
| I will resist using a debit card for online transactions. |
| I will be wary of fake checks linked to winning prizes or lotteries; work-at-home opportunities or employment; or alleged overpayment for something I may be selling, and will NEVER wire money back to someone who sent me a check. |
| I will educate my kids about online safety, set restrictions and guidelines regarding sites they visit, and monitor their online activity. |
| I will visit www.onguardonline.gov for helpful resources and tips for myself and my kids about identity theft and online safety. |
| Source: Hillsborough County Government |
