Prairie State Wire

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is cautioning consumers to stay alert to potential online threats. The department is emphasizing the importance of safeguarding personal information during this time when online sales surge.

"Throughout the year, IDOR, members of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other state tax administrators all work together to safeguard taxpayers' personal information," said IDOR Director David Harris. He highlighted that "this time of year, as holiday shopping begins and Black Friday and Cyber Monday online sales tend to hit record highs, there is often an increased risk of cybercriminals taking advantage of unsuspecting shoppers."

To help consumers protect themselves from cyber threats, IDOR has provided several safety tips:

- Protect personal information by avoiding sharing details like birthdates, addresses, age, bank accounts, and Social Security Numbers online.

- Use strong passwords and consider a password manager for storage.

- Enable multi-factor authentication for extra security on online accounts.

- Utilize security software such as anti-virus programs or firewalls.

- Be cautious of phishing emails and social media scams that mimic legitimate offers or notifications.

- Watch out for spoofed websites and fake online stores designed to steal payment information.

- Avoid text message phishing scams which may ask for personal or financial details.

- Prefer using credit cards over debit cards for added protection against fraud.

- Regularly monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

By following these guidelines, shoppers can reduce their risk of falling victim to cybercriminals during the holiday season.