WORCESTER, Mass., Nov. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyber Monday kicks off the online holiday shopping season. Unfortunately, nearly 12.7 million U.S. consumers had their identities stolen last year and thieves may be looking to take advantage of the online traffic this holiday season. With this in mind, The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) is offering a few simple tips to help consumers protect their personal information from cyber identity thieves.
"An identity theft or fraud can have a major impact on a consumer, often leaving them to deal with the mess created by cyber criminals," said Richard W. Lavey, president, personal lines and chief marketing officer at The Hanover. "Many consumers may not realize their homeowners insurance policies may help provide protection against the burdens of dealing with identity fraud," Lavey says.
The Hanover suggests online shoppers follow a few simple practices to help stay protected against cyber fraud:
- Be savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots – Do not share personal or financial information over an unsecured Wi-Fi network (one that does not require a password for access).
- Make sure the site is legitimate – Before entering any credit card or personal information, look for a closed padlock on your web browser or a URL address that begins with shttp or https.
- Protect your personal information – Make sure the information requested is only that needed to complete the transaction. Check the website's privacy policy to understand how the information will be used.
- Keep a clean machine – Smartphones or other devices used for shopping should have up-to-date software.
- Keep a paper trail – Save records of online transactions and check credit card statements as soon as they arrive. Immediately report any discrepancies.
"An independent insurance agent can help review your coverages to make sure you have the protection you need if your identity or credit card information were to be stolen," Lavey suggests. "Look for the better insurance policies, ones that offer expense reimbursement, proactive and restoration services, document replacement assistance, and credit card fraud coverage."
The Hanover partners with Identity Theft 911®, the nation's leader in identity management and fraud education, to help customers prevent and resolve identity theft and fraud. To learn more about protecting your identity, visit www.hanoverIDprotection.com.
The company has also created a useful graphic to display the best practices for online shopping, which can be downloaded and shared here: http://bit.ly/1X9sWFW.
For more information, visit hanover.com.
ABOUT THE HANOVER
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., based in Worcester, Mass., is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. For more than 160 years, The Hanover has provided a wide range of property and casualty products and services to individuals, families, and businesses. The Hanover distributes its products through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agents, the company offers specialized coverages for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as insurance protection for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. Through its international member company, Chaucer, The Hanover also underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including marine, property and energy. For more information, please visit hanover.com.
CONTACT:
Emily P. Trevallion
etrevallion@hanover.com
508-855-3263
The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
©2015 The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.