Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The holiday shopping season is one of the most optimum times for identity theft as consumers shop and swipe more, police say.
In an effort to keep consumers safe, the West Columbia Police Department is holding a seminar educating consumers on ways to keep their identities safe.
"When the insurance company calls or the bank and they want your social and date of birth, that's a red flag," said Detective Mike Cubelli with the West Columbia Police Department. "That's not your bank or your insurance, that's someone trying to scam you."
Cubelli estimates he has about 150 cases of stolen identity he's currently investigating.
"You will get emails from your bank saying your account has been compromised. That may be your bank, that may not be your bank," said Cubelli. He also cautions that your smartphone can hold information crooks could use to steal an identity.
"If you leave stuff in a mailbox, that could definitely be an area of exposure," said Tim Young with Palmetto Federal Credit Union. "Take an inventory of the financial information you have and carry with you in your wallet or smartphone. It can be lost without our knowledge and be misused before we realize a crime has been committed."
The Federal Trade Commission says identity theft is the No. 1 complaint from consumers. It's been at the top of the list for the past 11 years.