Credit Card Fraud the Holiday Season: Things to Consider for Next Year

22 February 2016

Congratulations! You made it through another holiday season, hopefully, unscathed by fraudulent use of your credit cards.

While the winter holiday season is generally a time full of goodwill, a time when people try to see the best in each other (or at least be less pessimistic), criminals aren’t dissuaded by the thought of getting coal in their stockings. They think nothing of the problems that their unlawful behavior causes for the rest of us. In 2014, criminals cost Americans nearly $15 billion over the holiday season through credit card fraud, retail theft, fraudulent returns, and even counterfeit money. There’s no way of calculating the amount of time lost by victims of credit card fraud in the resulting hassle of straightening out the situation with their credit card company or the police.

It’s never too early to start getting ready for next winter’s holidays, and many of the sensible shopping tips designed to keep your financial information safe can be practiced at any time of the year. As with many things in life, making the effort to take precautions can save you a lot of aggravation in the long run. When you are out shopping, stay alert. Don’t leave your wallet in your coat or in your purse unattended – not to use the dressing room, go back to the buffet line or visit the restroom. Don’t leave it in plain sight in your car, either. Criminals who want to steal your personal information are very good at watching and waiting for you to step away. They are also known to work in teams with one person distracting you while another snatches your wallet. Many times, purchases are made before the card’s owner even knows it’s missing.

Of course, many of us prefer the convenience of shopping online. A recent study shows that card, not present (CNP) fraud attempts occurred in 2015 in one out of every 86 transactions, up significantly from one of every 114 transactions the previous year. Furthermore, the popularity of “buy online and pick up in-store” is a fresh opportunity for many cyber thieves, because most retailers don’t mandate re-running cards when consumers come for their purchases.

While banks and credit card companies absorbed 90 percent of the fraudulent transactions reported in 2014, unsuspecting consumers continue to put themselves at risk by browsing in free Wi-Fi zones, using public mobile hotspots, or shopping online at unverified websites. Also, clicking on links in emails rather than going to the websites of well-known retailers by typing them in the address bar can lead to trouble. All of these scenarios make it much easier for hackers to intercept online transactions, passwords and financial information.

Credit cards are preferable to cash, which could be counterfeit and is virtually impossible to track and to debit cards, which do not offer much protection against future loss. And credit card companies are supposed to help their clients in cases of fraudulent use. If you suspect someone has hijacked your card or card number, notify your card issuer immediately to cancel the card and arrange for a replacement. Most card companies cap your liability at zero dollars if you report the unauthorized credit card charges soon after discovering them, and under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you can be held liable only for the first $50. You should also file a police report.
If you have several credit cards, stick to using just one for shopping to help contain the damage in case the worst happens. And it never hurts to check your credit report. Federal law allows you to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from the three credit reporting companies. Consider spacing out your requests to every four months to ensure year-round coverage. The reports can be requested by visiting the annual credit report website, by calling 1-877-322-8228, or by writing to:

Annual Credit Request Service
PO. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

While credit card fraud cases tend to increase around the winter holidays, your personal and financial information can be misappropriated at any time. By being vigilant, you should be able to prevent thieves from stealing your identity and ruining your cheer, any day of the year.

About the Author

Thomas Bunch is a business bankruptcy attorney in Lexington, Ky at the Bunch and Brock Law Firm. He has served Central Kentucky for over 5 decades and is an active participant in the Lexington Community.

Lucia Patterson

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

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Jackson Hole’S Luxury Haven A Guide To Unforgettable Vacation Home Rentals

Jackson Hole turns into a gorgeous snow-covered wonderland every winter. This brings in travelers from everywhere looking for nice places to stay surrounded by awesome mountains. Selecting the right cabin or condo can make your winter vacation an unforgettable experience. Let's check out how to find fantastic rentals to make the most of Jackson Hole's magnificent winter playground. Following a record-breaking winter season with nearly 600 inches of snow, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort demonstrates why it's a coveted destination during the chilly months. While all that snow sets things up for an awesome trip, picking the perfect luxury rental is key to fully enjoying this snowy paradise. Finding The Perfect Luxury Vacation Rental Places To Find Luxury Rentals Sites like Airbnb and VRBO have Jackson Hole's swankiest and well-equipped winter rentals. Using filters for things like amenities, reviews, and location lets you narrow down your search. Reading reviews can also provide insights into unique perks, such as ski-in/ski-out access or breathtaking mountain views. These websites serve as gateways to top-notch luxury, with some amazing options receiving rave reviews for their one-of-a-kind features. Local Rental Companies Booking with local businesses like Jackson Hole Vacation Condos, Outpost, and Villa Rentals means personalized service. These companies handle exclusive luxury jackson hole vacation home rentals not on the major sites. Since they know the area so well, they can match you with rentals ideal for your trip. Their huge range of choices, from lavish ski cabins to high-end condos, guarantees a luxury visit when you book one of their jackson hole vacation home rentals. Choosing The Ideal Location The location of your rental significantly influences your Jackson Hole experience. Popular options include: Ski-In/Ski-Out Properties: Highly coveted for their direct ski resort access and breathtaking vistas, these slope-side rentals create the quintessential alpine retreat. Cabins Near Ski Resorts: Secluded mountain cabins near ski areas blend scenic beauty with proximity to winter activities. Downtown Rentals: For easy access to eateries and shopping, downtown condos and homes offer luxury alongside convenience. Now that you have a better understanding of Jackson Hole's distinctive rental locations, let's proceed to book your unforgettable winter escape. Tips For Booking Your Luxury Winter Vacation Rental Planning And Booking Early The popularity of Jackson Hole among skiers makes early booking essential, particularly during the peak months of December through February. Start planning and reserving your place 8-12 months ahead to ensure you can get what you want. This lets you lock in coveted ski-in/ski-out spots before they're gone. Read Also: Top Looks For Women In Summer 2021 Off-Peak Discounts Visiting Jackson Hole during off-peak seasons like November, late March, and April can yield significant savings, with some luxury rentals discounted up to 30% compared to peak rates. The smaller crowds also make for a more private and exclusive atmosphere. Verifying Property Details Guest feedback provides unbiased insights into factors like cleanliness, location, and amenities of different rentals. Be sure to also confirm details directly with the property manager to avoid surprises. Clear communication sets expectations and allows time to address any concerns. Types Of Luxury Vacation Rentals For A Winter Retreat Now let's explore the elegant lodging options available for your Jackson Hole winter getaway: Luxury Cabins Blending rustic charm with lavish amenities, these upscale cabins offer direct access to winter activities alongside unmatched comforts. Soak in scenic views from your cabin's hot tub, relax by the stone fireplace, or have a chef cook gourmet meals in your luxury kitchen. The quintessential winter cabin experience. Luxury Condos And Homes Sprawling condos and multi-bedroom homes in Jackson Hole cater to large gatherings with ample space and plush furnishings. Many feature theaters, game rooms, heated pools, and 24/7 concierge service. Ideal for extended family trips or group retreats seeking privacy and luxury. Seasonal Rentals For longer winter vacations, consider a seasonal rental from November to April. Offering deep discounts for extended stays, these let you fully experience Jackson Hole's magic. Seasonal owners often allow pets too. Now that you've selected your ideal luxury lodging, let's explore how to spend your days soaking up Jackson Hole's alpine splendor. Winter Activities In Jackson Hole Skiing And Snowboarding Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Snow King, and Grand Targhee offer world-class skiing and snowboarding. Luxury properties provide ski valet, storage, and transport services for a seamless ski experience. Snowshoeing And Cross-Country Skiing For more intimate encounters with Jackson Hole's picturesque landscapes, snowshoe through pristine national forests or glide on cross-country skis across groomed trails. Rentals and lessons are easily available. Sleigh Rides And Wildlife Tours Unique winter experiences like horse-drawn sleigh rides through the Elk Refuge and wildlife safaris in heated snow coaches allow you to immerse yourself in Jackson Hole's rustic charm. Essential Amenities In Jackson Hole Luxury Vacation Rentals To fully immerse yourself in the cozy winter atmosphere, prioritize rentals with: Warm And Cozy Interiors Heated floors, wood-burning fireplaces, plush rugs, and floor-to-ceiling windows create hygge-inspired spaces perfect for winter. Suffuse your senses in the warm glow of a crackling fire while snow falls silently outside. Gourmet Kitchens Fully equipped gourmet kitchens set the stage for lavish feasts with family and friends. Local cuisine, holiday roasts, and fresh baked goods become effortless. Some rentals also offer private chefs to pamper you. Relaxation And Entertainment Features Apres-ski soaks in an outdoor hot tub overlooking the shimmering blanket of snow on mountain peaks. Rejuvenate in the sauna or steam room before settling in for a movie night in your rental's home theater. The amenities for luxury relaxation are endless. Final Thoughts On Jackson Hole's Luxury Winter Experience The right luxury rental transforms a basic winter trip into a magical memory-making getaway. By planning ahead, locking in a well-located and amenity-loaded property, and taking part in Jackson Hole's tons of alpine activities, you're guaranteed an awesome winter adventure. Allow the epic mountains, fresh powder, and warm cabin vibes to leave you feeling recharged. FAQs 1. What are the benefits of booking a luxury vacation rental in Jackson Hole during the off-peak season? Visiting Jackson Hole in the spring and fall off-peaks allows you to save significantly on luxury rentals, often yielding discounts of 25-30%. The smaller crowds also let you enjoy the area's beauty and amenities with more privacy and exclusivity. 2. How do luxury cabins in Jackson Hole enhance a unique winter experience? From their charming rustic exteriors and wood-burning fireplaces to gourmet kitchens and hot tubs, luxury cabins fuse cozy and contemporary elements. This combination of comfort, scenic beauty, and convenient access to winter activities creates an idyllic alpine retreat. 3. What should I look for when choosing a luxury vacation rental in Jackson Hole? Focus on amenities like heated floors, fireplaces, ski storage, hot tubs, and floor-to-ceiling views. Also ensure easy access to your preferred winter activities, whether ski-in/ski-out or close to town. Pay attention to guest reviews and verify details with the rental company. This step helps you find the perfect property that suits your needs. Read Also: Summer Shades and How to Wear Them Hello Sandals! How to Get Your Feet Summer Ready Fashion Style Every Modern Woman Must Know

How to Plan A Trip In 5 Simple Steps?

Have you been dreaming of a trip but have been unable to plan and execute it effectively? This article will discuss how to prepare for a journey in five simple steps so that we can put an end to the cluttered and streamline your vacation to pure bliss and perfect harmony. In most cases, holidays begin as a beautiful idea, but they may become a nightmare if you don’t manage them well. You have to put a lot of brainstorming and thought into the process of organizing your tours. Most people overlook this step, but it manifests itself through the unseen hurdles. With some little effort and preparation in the maintenance of a personalized trip planner, you can overcome over 90% of your hurdles as a traveller. Here are some of the tips that will guide you through this process. 5 Simple Steps To follow: 1. Pick Your Destination Several things can inspire you to pick your travel destination. Most of the things that trigger the desire to visit somewhere are external factors. Some of them may be photos that go viral on social media, the scientific setting that you see in a movie or a story from a friend about his last trip. You need to keep in mind several things as you choose a travel destination. You may have little to debate when your mind thinks about visiting a forest, mountains, or beaches. However, you need to pick the right destination depending on the season if you desire to have a successful holiday. Check the best time for visiting the desired location. The ideal seasons for visiting mountains and beaches differ significantly. You will enjoy some places in a luxury budget more than others. You can get good discounts on flights and hotels when you visit a luxury place during the low seasons. As a traveller, you have to put safety top on your priority list. The other factor to consider as you plan a trip is ease of accessibility. The level of access can make you visit a place or cancel the tour altogether. Most popular destinations have good highway infrastructure, daily trains, and flights that support the influx of tourism. 2. Determine the Duration of Your Trip There exists a thin line between enjoying each moment at your tour and getting bored. There isn't a predefined duration for staying in a specific location. It all depends on the purpose of the visit and the plan of the traveller. Therefore, you need to estimate the number of days that you will be visiting a particular location correctly. A road trip may take longer than a flight one because you use a lot of time travelling. However, you may desire to go by road to explore the region. You can also make shorter trips on weekends as long as you plan your time well. Urban destination trips involve more sightseeing than visiting a tropical town and hence will require more time. It is always good to give yourself an extra day especially if your tour lasts for over seven days. It will cater for delays in trains and flights, weather hold-ups, traffic jams, and change of heart to add yourself one more day in a particular location. 3. Book Train, Flights, or Bus Tickets and Accommodation The next step is to book tickets for your bus, train, or flight in advance. Most of these tickets are subject to availability and prices fluctuate over time. You can avoid extra cost by making your bookings in good time. Only book non-refundable and cheap train and flight tickets if you are 100 per cent sure of your holiday plans. If not, you’d instead book refundable tickets if you are booking in advance. Use Google flights tracker to monitor flight charges because they keep on fluctuating over time. If you plan a trip during the peak season, expect a surge in the accommodation and flight charges. You can earn some cash backs and rewards by using your credit card to book hotels and flights. 4. Plan the Course of Action and Day-Wise Activities It sounds adventurous and fascinating when you make your tour plan on sudden gut-feeling and impulse. However, you may have several days on this trip in which the schedule may go haywire because of doing things the last minute. Get a rough idea of the activities that you will want to do depending on the time that is at your disposal and budget. This ingredient will help you to understand how to plan a trip effectively. Try to keep most if not all your transfers between destinations in the evenings or night. It will give you enough time for activities and sightseeing during the day. Booking activities like safari rides, boat rides, adventure sports, and water sports in advance may help you to get some discounts. Keep one to two activities during the day if you want to have a relaxing and tranquil holiday. Some destinations close popular tourism activities like scuba diving, boating, and skiing during the offseason. Make sure you check the availability of these activities. 5. Make all the Necessary Adjustments and Pack Diligently Once you are done with your booking, pack your luggage bearing in mind the external factors that influence your location. Weather unpredictability, festive season, and the socio-political scenario can have adverse effects on your travel plans. Do a bit of research as you plan for your trip to avoid making alterations in your touring plans. You can carry an extra jumper pair of jeans, a sweater, or shirt if you are visiting a rainy or cold destination. You can also carry things like mosquito repellent, lotion, and sunscreen to prevent skin-related diseases. Research about the destination that you will be visiting as part of responsible tourism and cultural sensitivity. It is advisable to read about the do’s and don’ts to avoid showing any disrespect and causing conflict to the locals of the destination you are visiting. Conclusion The vocational experience can change you for good. The most important thing is knowing how to plan a trip if you want to enjoy your travel with no unfortunate occurrences or malice. Read Also: Make The Most Of A Business Trip To Chicago Getting Ready For A Trip To Costa Rica Medicare Pros And Cons: Everything You Need To Know Before Enrolling

Attractions to See During Overnight Tour in Phuket

Must-see Attractions During An Overnight Tour in Phuket Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations for those visiting Thailand. As a beautiful island off the West coast of Thailand in the glimmering Andaman Sea, Phuket is certainly well worth a visit for anyone interested in a relaxing beach vacation. Phuket provides amusement outside of just gorgeous beaches, however, and there are many fun activities to explore for visitors to this idyllic island. This article will give you some tips on some of the most exciting attractions you can check out during an overnight tour in Phuket. Ethical Elephant Experience If your tour takes you to Phuket overnight, you have plenty of time to incorporate an elephant experience into your holiday. These amazing gentle giants are absolutely incredible to see in person. In many locations, you will be able to feed, photograph, and walk beside these magnificent animals to feel just how large and impressive they are. Just be sure when you are looking at elephant sanctuaries that you choose a location where animals are treated well and they do not allow elephant rides. Consider Reading: The Most visited place in Dubai Island Hopping Tour There are many exciting island hopping tours available for guests staying overnight in Phuket. These can range from snorkeling or scuba diving tours throughout gorgeous reef areas, kayaking across glittering blue waters with towering rock formations overhead, or picnicking and swimming in a secluded sandy cove. The many smaller islands around Phuket offer breathtaking views and a wide variety of adventurous activities for any traveler who enjoys exploring. You can even explore the famous island where James Bond was filmed. Jungle Exploration Tours If you are more of a jungle person than a beach person, you can book a trip to explore the jungles of Phuket island. Jungle tours can be taken by white water rafting through rapid waters or mountain biking on rocky forest trails. These types of Phuket tours are perfect for overnight guests with a strong sense of adventure and a lot of energy to burn. Consider Reading: Best About Africa Wildlife Spotting Phuket City Tour Even if you aren’t a big fan of spending time outdoors, you can still enjoy a visit to Phuket and the main city of the island. Phuket city features lively night markets, scenic viewpoints, beautiful temples, and many excellent restaurants. Overnight tours in Phuket can provide a wide variety of fun activity options for those who prefer a more relaxing trip within the city. Activities for Everyone in Phuket There are amazing attractions for anyone interested in an overnight tour in Phuket. Whether you’re interested in elephants, snorkeling, kayaking, biking, city tours, culinary explorations, or just chilling on a beautiful white sand beach, Phuket has something for you. If you’re looking for a holiday destination in Thailand, you should definitely put Phuket on your list. Read Also: Healthy and Hearty: 5 Iconic Spots to Eat in Chicago What to visit in Canada? Know all the Requirements You Need to Travel Best places in South India for wildlife spotting Top Hi-Tech Airports in the Northern Hemisphere

Credit Card Fraud the Holiday Season: Things to Consider for Next Year

Inside the Sublime Environs of Kalpa – A Guide to Best Places

Where Are You Celebrating Holi this Year?

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Lucia Patterson

Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

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Lucia Patterson is the woman behind TheLegalGuides, a blog solely focused on legal guides, tips, and advice. Lucia loves essay writing and blogs at EssayWritingGuides from her college days.

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Popular

Follow Us

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