Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan on Monday released her annual safe shopping guide, which historically has focused on the dangerous toys and household items that have been recalled in the past year, with a new feature: tips to protect against identity theft.
"If 2007 was the 'Year of the Recall' as the media termed it then, 2014 should be known as the 'Year of the Data Breach,' Madigan said in the guide's introductory message.
Indeed, several large organizations found themselves this year dealing with compromised computers, with Target, the United States Postal Service, Kmart, JPMorganChase, Jimmy John's, and Jewel-Osco stores among them.
To protect themselves, Madigan recommended four steps consumers can take:
- Setup transaction alerts on accounts to get notified when debit and credit cards have been used to make a purchase above a set dollar amount.
- Regularly review bank and credit card statements
- Review credit reports for unauthorized accounts. Consumers are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies per year. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to order your credit reports.
- Consider putting a security freeze on your credit. This action "locks" personal information until the consumer provides permission. It prevents someone from taking out credit.
Madigan's office maintains an Identity Theft Hotline -- 866-999-5630 -- that can assist Illinoisans who've been affected.
Dangerous Toys, Household Products
Toys topping the 2014 Holiday Safe Shopping Guide include items that pose burn risks, including a flashlight, a toaster, pajamas, dolls, and infant video monitors. Other toys on the list that may pose choking hazards include bean bag chairs, pacifiers, rattles, sandals, and clothing.
"The Safe Shopping Guide is a must-have for this holiday season," said Abe Scarr, the director of Illinois PIRG.
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The 2014 Safe Shopping Guide is available online or can be obtained by calling the Attorney General’s Recall Hotline for a print copy at 1-888-414-7678.
