The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is the busiest shopping season of the year, and with it comes the increased risk for identity theft.

So how can consumers protect themselves this holiday season? Johnny May, author of Johnny May’s Guide to Preventing Identity Theft recommends the following tips to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft:

• Invest in a personal shredder. Shred bank and credit card statements, canceled checks, pre-approved credit card offers and other documents containing personal information.
• Minimize the amount of information you carry in your wallet or purse. This can be accomplished by limiting the number of credit cards you carry with you. Also, avoid carrying your social security card.
• Call your credit card company if your card has expired and you have not yet received a replacement.
• Scrutinize monthly billing statements. Open bills promptly and check your accounts monthly. Look for charges you don’t recognize and report them immediately. Also, save receipts to compare with your billing statements.
• Keep your eyes on your credit card during all transactions, and get it back as soon as possible.
• Keep a record of all your credit card account numbers, expiration dates, telephone numbers and the address of each creditor and store it in a safe place.
• Order a copy of your credit report at least 1-2 times per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax). Look for address changes and fraudulent accounts.
• Cancel credit cards you seldom use. The more open accounts you have, the more vulnerable you are.
• Limit the personal information on your checks. Don’t pre-print your social security number, telephone number, or drivers’ license number on your checks. Disclose it only when absolutely required. If a merchant asks you for your telephone number or drivers’ license number, you may decide to add it at that time.
• Before purchasing online, find out if the site has a secure server. Secure pages begin with “https” instead of “http”. A picture of a lock in the locked position should also appear on the browser window.