Hurley Highlights Holiday Financial Safety Tips

CHICAGO – To help ensure everyone stays safe when shopping online, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is highlighting some internet safety tips to keep in mind this year while shopping.

“As we all try to enjoy the holidays, it is important that we make sure we all stay safe when it comes to using credit cards, online bank accounts and other secure information,” said Hurley. “With the increased online traffic for the holiday season, cyber thieves and scammers will be trying to trick buyers and steal their personal financial information.”

This holiday season, Hurley is offering ways that residents can finish their holiday shopping while keeping their personal information safe. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging everyone to only shop through trusted websites to avoid fake sellers looking to steal information. Shoppers should also beware of ads and emails encouraging using to click on links for special deals as these are often fake. Instead, visit the company’s website directly to confirm the offer is legitimate. Shoppers should also regularly check their accounts for fraudulent activity.  

Residents can learn more by visiting the IEMA website at Ready.Illinois.gov or the Illinois Attorney General’s office at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/. Chicago area residents can also call the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-386-5438. 

“With more and more people choosing to shop online, being proactive about internet safety is essential,” said Hurley. “By doing our homework and thinking before we click, we can minimize the chances for being a victim of identity theft.”