Keep Up Your Guard While Holiday Shopping Published November 26, 2015 As the holiday shopping season gets underway, we at Maps and other Northwest credit unions share a few ways you can protect your credit and debit cards. For instance, at the cash register: Use an EMV-chipped card if you have one They provide an extra layer of security when you buy in stores. Make sure you have signed your credit and debit cards. Make sure you don’t write your PIN on the card. Rest your fingers on other keys while typing in your PIN. This could foil thieves using infrared cameras to steal the ‘heat signature’ you leave behind each time you touch a key. When entering your PIN, block the keypad from anyone else’s view. Make sure the card you get back after paying your bill belongs to you. Take your receipt with you; never leave it at the checkout counter. Put your receipts in your wallet, not your shopping bags. Thieves have been known to steal bags, then use receipts inside the bags to return merchandise for cash. Sign up to be electronically notified when your card is used to make a payment or purchase. Don’t store your payment information. Monitor your transactions daily. Keep a list of your card account numbers and phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen. We also recommend you take these precautions when shopping online: Shop only on sites that have https:// in the URL, next to an icon of a lock. Do not shop online while using public wireless networks. Type a merchant’s address directly into your browser; avoid links. Create passwords with at least eight characters. Keep antivirus and security software updated. If you suspect your account has been compromised, contact us right away.