In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee created the first web server and browser. Four years later, online banking was developed and contemporary online shopping systems were born. Today, consumers can purchase everything from groceries to furniture without ever having to leave the comfort of their living room. Along with this ease and convenience, however, comes a certain amount of risk.

Business to Consumer (B2C) online shopping is no longer a luxury reserved solely for the computer savvy. The Federal Trade Commission estimated that in 2010, 80% of all households in the U.S. contained at least one computer. That is over 250 million computers. It’s no wonder that the online retail industry is predicted to be worth $279 billion by the year 2015. The exploding online market, however, is not without its issues. The FTC estimates that as many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year. A majority of these thefts occur via the computer. The instances of cyber theft have increased dramatically as more and more people turn to the Internet to conduct their business transactions.

The percentage of consumers who utilize the Internet for their shopping needs typically spikes during the holidays. The National Retail Federation predicts that 52% of shoppers will take part in B2C transactions this holiday season. These shoppers, especially those new to the online market, often make easy targets for potential identity theft. Many victims don’t even know they have been violated until they review their credit or receive their credit card bills. At that point, the damage has been done and it can take years for the issue to be rectified. The Bureau of Justice estimates that each instance of theft averages $3,500. For many people, that level of theft can be devastating.

The easiest way to protect again cyber theft is to verify that are websites are safe. Consumers should ensure that all websites contain an “s” in the site address and look for a closed padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen. Without these, the safety and validity of a website cannot be guaranteed. In addition, personal information should never be given over public Wi-Fi. Avoid purchasing anything unless you are certain the connection is secured. Finally, due diligence can be key in preventing and/or minimizing the effects of theft. Credit card and bank statements should be carefully inspected each month. Any irregularities should be reported immediately.

Sgt. Mark Lykken is part of the Property Crimes Division of the Fargo Police Department. In addition to the above precautions, he recommends employing a few additional safeguards.

1. Never write your PIN on your debit card.

2. Write “See ID” on the signature line of debit and credit cards.

3. When paying with a credit/debit card at a restaurant, keep a copy of your receipt and verify with the issuing bank that the correct amount was imputed.

4. Utilize any online banking features your credit card/bank offers to monitor all accounts.

Sgt. Lykken reports a slight decrease in the number of stolen credit cards and other financial instruments (checks and/or debit cards). In 2012, 203 cases of theft were reported in Fargo, down from 318 in 2010. It appears as if education and awareness efforts have had a positive impact as more and more consumer are learning how to protect themselves.

Cyber theft is one of the most common methods of identity thefts, but not the only one. As new precautions are implemented, new ways of theft are developed. In addition to cyber theft, the following have been identified as the most common methods of securing a false identity:

1. Dumpster diving – Thieves often go through garbage looking for credit card and/or banking information. Shredding any type of financial information is the best way to prevent this type of theft.

2. Phishing – Thieves may attempt to gain access to your personal information by sending out fraudulent emails asking for account numbers and passwords. Never give out personal information to anyone via email. Verify the identity of anyone asking for your information.

3. Changing your address – Thieves may fill out a change of address form with the Post Office to gain access to your personal mail. Any mail delivery issues should be addressed to the Post Office as soon as the problem is discovered. If you will be out of town for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor to secure your mail or have the Post Office hold it during your absence.

4. Old fashioned stealing – When the opportunity arises, thieves will still utilize tried- and-true purse and wallet theft.

Thieves may also utilize a variety of scams to con people out of financial information and/or substantial amounts of money. According to Sgt. Lykken, the following scams have occurred in the Fargo/Moorhead area in recent months:

1. Subject preying on lonely adults asking for money to come move to Fargo to be with them. The victim sends some money and is continually asked for more money. Most of these cases are difficult to prosecute because they occur outside of the United States.

2. Thieves posting fraudulent Craiglist ads. The FPD has seen instances where houses are listed for rent that are actually for sale by a separate professional party. The thieves copy information and pictures from websites and require money to be sent as a down payment. They usually utilize a money transfer service that is difficult to trace.

3. Victims are mailed a check as a “secret shopper” or are selling an item. The thief sends a check for more than the amount and asks the victim to send a money/wire transfer or prepaid debit card back the remaining cash. Most of these checks are not legitimate and the victim is then help responsible for the check and the money sent.

4. Subjects call elderly adults informing them they are a grandchild and have been arrested, usually in Canada or Mexico. The victims are then asked to send “bail” money.

Sgt. Lykken and the Fargo Police Department recommend extreme caution when being asked to send any funds by wire transfer or prepaid debit card. When in doubt, verify all of the information as carefully as possible.

South Dakota, North Dakota, and Iowa had the lowest instances of identity theft in 2010. That doesn’t mean, however, that it is safe for people to lower their guard. Personal and financial information can be stolen from those who fail to take the appropriate precautions in a matter of minutes; the repercussions of which can be devastating and burden the victim for years. By following a few recommendations and diligently monitoring accounts, people can protect themselves and their information, especially during the holidays.